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LESSONS 






IN THE 



HISTORY OF LOUISIANA, 



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ITS EARLIEST SETTLEMENT TO THE CLOSE 
OF THE CIVIL WAR, 



TO WHICH ARE APPENDED 



LESSONS IN ITS GEOGRAPHY AND 
PRODUCTS. 



BY 



JOHN DIMITRY, A. m. 




A. S. BARNES & COMPANY. 

NEW YORK, CHICAQO AND NEW ORLEANS. 
1877. 

J9 \^. 



03 ^S- 



Copyright 1877, by John Dimitry. 



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THIS LITTLE BOOK, 

I DEDICATE 

TO 

ROBERT M. LUSHER, 

THE JUST MAN, THE SPOTLESS CITIZEN, 

AND THE 

STEADFAST FRIEND OF THAT SYSTEM OF POPULAR EDUCATION, 

OF WHICH HE WAS, 
IN A SEASON OF DOUBT AND ECLIPSE, 

THE FEARLESS DEFENDER. 



PREFACE. 



YOUTHS' Histories of the United States are not wanting. 
They crowd our schools, and are the despair of our book- 
sellers. But there is a clearly defined want of the day, which is 
only now being partially filled. The growing pride of the indi- 
vidual States calls for a record of the names and of the events, of 
which each may have reason to be proud. Able writers have, 
for a long time, systematically ignored this call. For a State 
history, they have continued to give a history of the United 
States. But the States have been gradually awakening to a 
sense of their needs. New York and Virginia, South Carolina 
and Massachusetts, Georgia and Rhode Island, Connecticut and 
Maryland, have had their Colonial chronicles embalmed in the 
big histories of the Continent, to be read and re-read by the 
children of the whole country. Nor is there anything strange 
in this. These Colonies had autonomy before the Articles of 
Confederation had been accepted, or the Federal Constitution 
had been ratified. Without them, the first rosy dawnings of 
American History would have been night — not day. 

But Louisiana, like other States formed since the organiza- 
tion of the Federal Government, has been utterly neglected in 
this direction. She has had able histories for grown-up people ; 
but none for children — plenty of strong meat for men, but no 
milk for her babes. 



6 PRE FA CE. 

What the author has aimed at has been : 

1. To teach the boys and girls of Louisiana, for the first 
time, that they have a history of thd'ir own, of which they may 
be proud — a history every bit as authentic and valuable as the 
annals of Puritan Massachusetts or Catholic Maryland. 

2. To explain to them that special mystery of the history of 
their State — the rearing of her colonial structure by one nation, 
and its blending into a colonial dependence on another. 

Every average child has something to say about the change 
of Dutch New Amsterdam into English New York. But whai 
does he know of the transfer of his own State from French 
Bienville to Spanish O'Reilly? Or from Spanish Salcedo to 
French Laussat back again } Or from French Laussat to 
American Claiborne ? 

3. To make them familiar with the physical configuration of 
Louisiana, which is, in itself, too peculiar to be properly under- 
stood, as taught in our great Geographies, scattered broadcast 
in our schools, both public and private, of this country. 

The author has adopted what, he believes, has been called, 
with a ponderous grace, the " catechetical plan." He is fully 
aware that, in the minds of the newest bookmen of the day, 
there is a certain prejudice against the system. He is no con- 
vert to such a prejudice. The great fault, he conceives, of most 
of the histories of the day for children — v/hether catechetical 
or continuous — has been that the writers have chosen to appeal 
to the reason alone, instead of to a fair mingling of reason and 
fancy in the mind of the young student — in other words, to use 
the cold chisel of the sculptor, rather than the warm brush of 
the painter. The Socratic method of the old classic days 
brought out the real culture of the Athenian man. The So- 
cratic method in history brings out the real interest of the 
American child. 



PREFACE, 7 

He might claim as a novelty in this class of works, the 
prominence given to the Geography of the State, and to the 
productions of her soil. The Divisions marked "Geography" 
and "Products" — if not complete in themselves — give informa- 
tion not afforded in any text-book. 

The author ventures here to call attention to a certain fea- 
ture of his work. What he has written is the history of a 
Southern State, by a Southern man. It is not wise, in any 
sense, to reopen wounds now healing over. In treating of the 
events of the Civil War upon the territory of Louisiana, he has 
tried to give the facts without throwing a slur upon any of the 
actors. It is right that the sons and daughters of a great State 
should know what has taken place upon the soil of their com- 
mon Mother. It would be wrong if they should — from the 
record made by him — learn to think unjus'tly of those who were 
participants, either friends or foes. To the author — a firm and 
honest believer in reconciliation between North and South — the 
restored Union means peace and prosperity to Louisiana, as to 
her sister Southern States. 

In this little book, he is unwilling to teach any other lesson. 

J. D. 



Note. — T desire, here, to return my sincere acknowledorments to my friend, 
Major William M. Robinson, for his kindness in placing at my disposal, the 
treasures of his Louisiana Library. For myself, student as well as compiler, 
those treasures have proved invaluable. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAET I. HISTORY. 

Paae 
Chapter 

I. The Early Explorers.— Hernando De Soto 17 

II « *<■ " — Father Marquette and 

Joliet 19 

Ijj <« <« " — La Salle » 30 

jy u « «' — Iberville and Bienville. 22 

V. Bienville's First Administration 26 

VI. The Grant to Anthony Crozat 26 

VII. The Mississippi Company, and the Founding of 

New Orleans ^^ 

VIII. Perier's Administration ^^ 

IX. Bienville's Second Administration 38 

X. De Vaudreuil's Administration 34 

XI. The Natchez and Chickasaw War 36 

XII. Kerlerec's Administration ^^ 

XIII. The Cession to Spain 42 

XIV. Ulloa's Arrival and Expulsion , • 44 

XV. General O'Reilly's Arrival. The Trial of Lafre- 

niere and his Companions 48 

XVI. O'Reilly's Administration 51 

XVII. Unzaga's Administration 53 

XVIII. Galvez's Administration 56 

XIX. Galvez's Campaign against the English 59 



10 



CONTENTS, 



Chapter Page 

XX. The Capture of Pensacola 61 

XXI. Miro's Administration fio 

XXII. The Kentucky Scheme 67 

XXTII. Carondelet's Administration 69 

XXIV. Gayoso's Administration 73 

XXV. Casa Calvo's Administration 74 

XXVI. Salcedo's Administration ..... c 75 

XXVII. The United States buy Louisiana 77 

XXVIII. The Transfer of Louisiana 80 

XXIX. A Review of the Dominations 83 

XXX. The Territorial Gov^ernment 84 

XXXI. Tlie Conspiracy of Aaron Burr 87 

XXXII. Mortality among the Troops 88 

XXXIII. The Bayou Sarans revolt against Spain 89 

XXXIV. Louisiana becomes a State 90 

XXXV. War with England. General Jackson in New 

Orleans 91 

XXXVI. Lafitte and the Smugglers of Barataria 93 

XXXVII. The Battle of Lake Borgne 96 

XXXVm. The Arrival of the Tenuesseans 98 

XXXIX. The British Army comes up Bayou Bienvenu. ... 99 

XL. The Arrival of the Kentuckians 101 

XLL The Battle of New Orleans 102 

XLII. The British Retreat 106 

XLIII. Peace Declared 108 

XLIV. Generals Lafayette and Jackson visit New Orleans 109 

XLV. The Louisianians and the Mexican War Ill 

XLVI. Baton Rouge becomes the State Capital 113 

An Explanation 116 

XLVII. The Confederate States. The Civil War 117 

XLVIII. Preparations to attack New Orleans 119 

XLIX. Running the Forts 121 

L. The Fall of New Orleans 125 



CONTENTS. H 

Page 
Chapter 

LI. General Breckinridge attacks Baton Rouge l-b 

LII. The Two Governors of Louisiana 131 

Llll. The Civil War in South and Central Louisiana. . 133 
LIV The Raid up Red River Valley. The End of the 

134 



Civil War 

LV. The City of New Orleans, 



140 



PART II. GEOGRAPHY. 

I. Geography ^^^ 

IL The Parishes and their Subdivisions 157 

in. The Alluvial Parishes 1^^ 

The Sea Marsh Parishes 1^3 

The Attakapas Parishes 165 

The Great Prairie Region, 1'^^ 

VII. The Piney Woods Parishes 1"^^ 

The Good Uplands Parishes l'^5 

IX. The Bluff Lands ^'^^ 

180 

XL Bays ^^^ 

XIL Islands ^^* 

XIII. The Mississippi River and the Jetties 185 

XIV. Bayous ^^^ 

Population of large cities, towns, and villages. . . 194 

Table of Parishes with their population 195 

Table of principal Islands, Lakes, Bayous, 

Rivers, etc ^^^ 



IV. 

V. 

VL 

VII 

VIII 

:x 

X. Lakes 



12 CONTENTS. 



PART III. PRODUCTS. 

Chapter Page 

I. Products 201 

II. Sugar 202 

III. Cotton 203 

IV. Rice 205 

V. Fruits 206 

VI. Forests 210 

VII. Minor Industries 212 

VIII. Wild Beasts, Game, and Fishes , 213 



INTRODUCTION. 



Question. What is Louisiana? 
Ai^swEK. Louisiana is one of the sovereign States, 
forming the Eepnblic of the United States. 

To what section of the United States does Louisiana belong ? 
After whom was Louisiana ^^a7ned f 
Louis the Fourteenth, King of France. 

Why was it named after that King ? 
Because it was during his reign that its territory was 
first discovered by the French explorer, La Salle, in 1682. 

" ) What is the capital of Louisiana ? 
. New Orleans. 

What was the population of the State at the last U. S, 
census ? 

In 1870, its population was 726,276. 

What cati you say of its governjnent? 
It is popular and elective. 

Into how many great branches is the gov eminent divided? 
Into four branches. 

How are these known ? 

As the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary Depart 
ments, and the Department of Public Education. 

Of whom does the Executive Department consist? 

A Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, a Secretary of 
State, an Attorney General, a State Auditor, and a 
State Treasurer. 



14 INTRODUCTION. 

What consiittUes the Legislative Department ? 
A General Assembly, comprising a Senate and a 
House of Eepresentatives. 

Of what is the Judiciary Departtnent composed? 
A Supreme Court consisting of one Chief Justice 
and four Associate Judges, together with inferior Courts. 

Who is the chief of the Department of Public Education ? 
A Superintendent of Public Education. 

The Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Secretary of State, At- 
torney-General, State Auditor, and Superintendent of Public Edu- 
cation are elected to serve four years. The State Treasurer is 
elected two years after the other Executive officers ; and his term 
of office is for four years. The Senate is elected to serve four 
years, although being so organized that one-half of the Senators 
vacate every two years. The House of Representatives is elected 
to serve two years. The Judges of the Supreme Court are ap- 
pointed by the Governor to serve eight years. 



PART I. 



HISTORY. 



THE EARLY EXPLORERS. 



CHAPTEE I. 

HERNANDO DE SOTO. 1539. 

Question. Who first discovered the Mississippi River ? 
Answee. Hernando de Soto. 

Who was Hernando de Soto ? 

A Spanish officer, who had been a favorite companion 
of Pizarro in the conquest of Pern. 

From what port did De Soto sail f 
Prom the Bay of Santo Spiritu, in Plorida. 

When did he leave Santo Spiritu ? 
May 31, 1539. 

Of what did his force co?tsist ? 

11 vessels ; 1000 infantry, and 350 cavalry. 

What was the route taken by De Soto ? 

Through the present States of Florida, Georgia and 
Alabama, until after various battles, he attacked Mau- 
vila (near what is now called Mobile), a large fortified 
Indian town. 

Did he capture Mauvila ? 

Yes, but only after a heroic resistance. 



18 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

Where did De Soto proceed afterwards ? 

He wandered, with his army, weakened gradually by 
disease and battle, during two years, through part of the 
present States of Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. 

Near what poitit zoas it that he first saw the Mississippi 
River ? 

Near tlie present city of Memphis. 

In what State is Memphis ? 

When did he first see the river? 

Not until two years after leaving Santo Spiritii, 

Where did he go afterwards ? 

He crossed the Mississippi and went up what is now 
known as White Kiver. 

In what State is "White Eiver ? 

What did De Soto do afterwards ? 

After many hardships, and after having been met by 
the Indians with alternate hospitality and hostility, he 
finally reached the mouth of Red River. 

In what direction and through what States does Eed Eiver 
flow? 

What sorrowful event occurred at that point ? 

The death of De Soto (May 15, 1542) from a bad fever. 

What was done with his body ? 

It was reverently placed in the trunk of an oak tree, 
scooped out by his sorrowing companions, and sunk into 
the waters of the great river which he had been the first 
to discover. 

Near what other point is he supposed to be buried? 
Opposite tbe site of the present town of St. Helena. 

In what State is St. Helena ? 




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THE EARLY EX.PLOREBS. 19 

What were De Soto's last words ? 

^^ Union and perseverance, my friends ! So long as 
the breath of life animates your bodies, do not falter in 
the enterprise which yon have undertaken." 

Did his men carry out his last request ? 
No, they were afraid to do so. 

Why? 

They were so annoyed by the warlike Indians who had 
followed them, that they built boats, and made their way 
down the Mississijipi to the Gulf of Mexico. 

Hozif 7na7iy survivors of De Soto's army returned to Florida ? 
Only 300 ; weary, dispirited men — many of whom 
were badly wounded. 

To wJiom does the honor of the discovery of the Mississippi 
River, therefore, belong f 

To the Spaniards, and to them alone. 



CHAPTEE TI. 



FATHER MARQUETTE AND JOLIET. 1673. 

How long was it before the next successftd attempt to ex- 
piore the Mississippi River was made? 

Not until one hundred and thirty years after De 
Soto's death. 

Who were the leaders ? 

Father Marquette, a pious monk, and Joliet, an en- 
terprising merchant. They were both Frenchmen. 

From what point did they start? 
Quebec. 

"Where is Quebec ? When was it founded ? By whom ? 



20 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

What course did they take ? 

They went down the St. Lawrence River — through 
Lake Ontario — up Niagara River — through Lake Erie — 
by St. Clair River to Lake Huron — through Lake Huron, 
by Mackinaw Straits, to and through Fox River to Wis- 
consin River, down which they proceeded to the Upper 
Mississippi. 

How far dowji the Mississippi did they go? 
Near enough to the mouth to assure themselves that 
that river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico. 

What did they do then ? 
They returned to Quebec. 

What was foresee7t by Father Marquette and Joliet ? 
The vast future importance of the Mississippi River, 



CHAPTEE III. 

LA SALLE. 1682. 

Who was the next discoverer ? 

Robert Cavalier de la Salle — a Erench gentleman 
and soldier. 

How long after the Marquette expedition ? 
Seven years. 

Fro7n what point did La Salle start? 
Erom Quebec. 

What ho7ior may La Salle justly claim ? 
That of having been the first explorer of the Missis- 
sippi River through its whole course, down to the sea. 

From what river did he enter the Mississippi River ? 
Erom the Illinois River. 



THE EABLY EXPLORERS. 21 

When did he fir si enter the Mississippi? 
February 2, 1682. 

On what day did he first see the sea ? 
April 7, 1682. 

How many days was lie traveling down tlie Mississippi? 

Through how many miles had La Salle passed down among 
unknown Indian tribes f 
Fully 1200 miles. 

In whose name did La Salle take possession of the newly 
discovered country ? 

In the name of ^Hhe most puissant, most high, most 
invincible and victorious Prince, Louis the Great, King 
of France." 

What name did he give to it f 
Louisiana, in honor of the King. 

Who was the Louis whom he called the Great f 
Louis XIV, King of France. 

Did La Salle continue to explore the country f 
No, after going up the Mississippi River, he returned 
shortly to France, where he was received with high honor. 

Did La Salle set out again for Louisiana ? 
Yes, on July 24, 1684, with a fleet of four vessels, 
given to him by the King, and a considerable army. 

What was the object of this second expedition ? 
He hoped to discover the mouth of the Mississippi 
Eiver from the sea. 

What 7uas the result of this expedition ? 
It was a complete failure. La Salle never discovered 
the mouth of the Mississippi from the sea. 

On what part of the coast did he land? 
On the coast of the Bay of Matagorda, in the present 
State of Texas. 



22 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

What was the sad fate of this gallant explorer ? 

Abandoned afterwards by most of his companions, 
he marched for three years through Texas, always seek- 
ing the Mississippi Eiver, but never finding it, when he 
was at last basely murdered, in March, 1687, by his 
men near Trinity Eiver. 

Canyon tell whereabout La Salle died? 
About the spot where now stands the town of 
Washington. 

In what State is Washington ? 

La Salle's most trusted companion and friend was the 
Chevalier de Tonti — an Italian officer who had served with dis- 
tinction in Sicily, where he had lost a hand. For this hand, he 
substituted one made of copper. 

After La Salle's first expedition, the Chevalier remained be- 
hind. Nineteen years after, Iberville and Bienville met the gal- 
lant De Tonti, who had, during the years which he had passed 
among the Illinois Indians, greatly endeared himself to them. 
Tlie Man of the Copper Hand arose to the young Frenchmen of 
another generation, almost like a ghost from the grave. 



CHAPTER lY. 
IBERVILLE A^^D BIENVILLE. 1699. 

Who next entered the Mississippi River ? 
Iberville and Bienville. 

In what year? 
In March, 1699. 

Who were Iberville and Bienville ? 
Two brothers, Canadians by birth, but of French 
parents — Iberville being the elder and the leader. 



THE EARLY EXPLORERS. 23 

Did they discover any land before entering the Mississippi ? 

Yes ; several islands, among which are those known, 
to-day, as the Chandeleur Islands, Ship Island and Oat 
Island. 

Can you tell where these islands are situated ? 

What is said to be the origin of the name " Cat Is/a7id" ? 

"When the French first landed, they f onnd there large 
numbers of a strange animal, which, they said, looked 
something like a fox and something like a cat. Not 
knowing what this animal was, one of them exclaimed : 
^^Why! this must be the kingdom of cats!'' His 
companions at once gave the island the name of "Cat 
Island" — a name which it still retains. 

What was this strange anijnal? 

The animal now known as the raccoon. 

After entering the Mississippi, where did the brothers go? 
As far as the month of Red River. 

What did they do then ? 

They descended the river as far as Bayou Manchac, 
and then separated. 

Where did Iberville go ? 

He passed through Bayou Manchac, and discovered 
several lakes. 

This Bayou is no longer navigable. Later on, in the War of 
1812-15, we shall see how it ceased to be so. 

What names did he give to these lakes ? 

One he named Lake Pontchartrain, in honor of 
Count Pontchartrain, a Minister of France. The other 
he called Lake Maurepas, after another Minister, Count 
Maurepas. 

What other lake did Iberville discover ? 

Lake Borgne, which he so called from a French word, 



24 BISTORT OF LOUISIANA. 

horgne, ^^ one-eyed" — be having found that it was not a 
complete lake, as it was not entirely surrounded by 
land. 

What other discovery did he make ? 

He discovered a beautiful bay, which he named Bay 
St. Louis — after Louis IX, a King of France — who was 
so good as to be called in history "Saint Louis." 

Where did Iberville make his first settlement ? 
At Biloxi. 

Is Biloxi in the present State of Louisiana ? If not, where 
is it ? 

What gave rise to this name Biloxi? 
This was the name of an Indian village which Iber- 
ville found on the spot. 

Give some account of where Bienville went after leaving 
Iberville? 

He continued down the river to the mouth where the 
French fleet was moored. 

What did he meet before reaching the mouth ? 

An English vessel, under the command of Capt. Bar. 

What reason did Captain Bar give to Bienville for being 
there? 

That he was examining the banks of the river for a 
proper site for an English colony. 

What answer did Bienville 7nake to this ? 

That Louisiana had already been discovered by the 
French, and that it was then really a dependency of 
Canada. 

Did the English captain persist in his claim after this ? 
No ; Captain Bar believed Bienville, and, turning 
back, sailed for the ocean. 



THE EARLY EXPLORERS. 25 

W/iat did Bi'envzlk name the spot in commemoration of this 
evetit ? 

The '^English Tarn." 

Who can tell where the English Turn is ? 
After this, what did Bienville do ? 

He joined Iberville afc Biloxi, where he found his 
brother on the point of leaving for France. 

Whom did Iberville appoint Governor of the colony on his 
return from France ? 

Another brother, San voile, who was the first Gov- 
ernor of Louisiana — then, on the death of Sau voile, 
shortly after, Bienville. 

Did Iberville remain long in the colony after this ? 

No ; after having explored the Mississippi River as 
far as the site of the present town of Natchez, he re- 
turned to France. 

What finally became of the gallant Iberville? 

After an absence of many years, during which he 
fought bravely for his king, he had reached the island 
of San Domingo, on his way to his dear colony which he 
had never forgotten, when he was attacked with a malig- 
nant fever, from which he died in a few hours. 

Among the arrivals at the new colony about this time 
were twenty young girls sent by the French King to be married 
to the most respectable colonists. The Bishop of Quebec was 
charged with the duty of selecting in Quebec such young women 
as were well known to be virtuous. As a proof of her respecta- 
bility, each one was provided with a curiously worked casket. 
Hence, as History is fond of giving nicknames wherever it can, 
these twenty are known in the annala of Louisiana as the Casket 
Girls. 

A few years later, in 170G, the "Casket Girls" became so 
indignant at being fed on corn bread, that they threatened to 
leave the colony on the first opportunity ! This was laughingly 
called the " Petticoat Insurrection.'" It ended in nothing. 
% 



26 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

CHAPTEE Y. 

BIENVILLE'S ADimiSTKATIOiX, (FIRST TERM). 1701-1713 

W/io was left in entire charge of the colo7iy at Biloxi ? 
Bienville. 

Did he remain long in command? 

No, the colony was weak ; and many of the colonists, 
too lazy to work, began to grumble because they did not 
receive supplies regularly from France. A famine was 
threatened, and they unjustly blamed Bienville for it. 

To what strait were they at last redticed ? 
Actually, for a time, to live on acorns. 

What was Bienville obliged to do from want of food? 
To quarter many of the colonists among the Indians 
in his neighborhood. 



CHAPTER YI. 



THE GRANT TO ANTHONY CROZAT. 1713-1718. 

What had been done meanwhile in France? 

The King, tired of supporting a colony which gave 
him great trouble, and brought him no revenue, had 
granted to Anthony Crozat, a wealthy East India mer- 
chant, the exclusive right of trading in all the country 
then known as Louisiana. 

For how lo7ig was this right given? 

For fifteen years from September 14, 1712. 

What would this have really made of Crozat ? 

The master of Louisiana during those fifteen years. 



THE EARLY EXPLORERS. 27 

What was the first step taken by hijn ? 
He appointed a new Governor in the place of Bien- 
ville. 

What was the new Governor s name ? 
Lamotte Cadillac. 

What position was given to Bienville? 
That of Lieutenant-Governor. 

Was Cadillac's adfni?iistration a success ? 

No ; he was a great boaster and very quarrelsome. 
He quarreled with all his subordinate officers — among 
them, with the noble Bienville. 

What petty thing did Cadillac do to show his spite against 
Bienville ? 

He sent him on an expedition against the Natchez 
Indians, who had murdered some Frenchmen near their 
village (now Natchez). 

What was Cadillac s object in doing this ? 
He hoped that Bienville could not succeed, and that 
he would either be killed or dishonored by his failure. 

How did the expedition end? 

It was completely successful. Bienville caused the 
ringleaders to be delivered to him, and had them shot. 

To the liistory of what State does this expedition to Natchez 
belong ? 

In what did Cadillac's quarrels result ? 
In his recall in 1716. He left in disgrace, after hav- 
ing made himself ridiculous both to the whites and the 
Indians. 

Who?n did Crozat name as Cadillac s successor ? 
De L'Epinay. 

How did HEpinay's administration succeed? 

No better than Cadilhic's. 



28 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

How did these repeated failures affect Crozat f 
Finding that all his plans, either to enrich himself or 
to improve the colony, had failed, he returned his charter 
into the King's hands, after he had held it for only five 
years. 

Had the population increased very much durijtg these five 
years ? 

Very little. In 1713, it amounted to about 400 per- 
sons — 530 of whom were blacks. In 1717, there were not 
more than 700 in all. 

To what may this failure be ascribed? 

To the general depression among the colonists, and 
to the fact that most of them preferred rather to starve 
in the settlements than to live comfortably by planting in 
the country. 



CHAPTER YII. 



THE GRANT TO JOHN LAW AND THE MISSISSIPPI COM- 
PANY. FOUNDATION OF NEW ORLEANS. 1718. 

To whom did Louis XIV next grant a charter ? 
To an association generally known as the Mississippi 
Company. 

Who was the Director-General of this Company ? 
A Scotchman named John Law — a remarkable man 
— who was also director of the Royal Bank of France. 

For how long was this charter co7if erred? 
Twenty-five years. 

What was one- of its provisio}is ? 

The Company, among other things, bound itself, be- 
fore the charter should expire, to transport to the colony 
6,000 whites and 3,000 negroes. 



THE EARLY EXPLORERS. 29 

What did John Law boast that he could do for the King f 
That he would make him the richest monarch in 
Europe. 

What did he promise to the French people f 
That, by means of his Koyal Bank, they would have 
more money than they could spend. 

Did he acco7nplish this boast f 

N'o ; his bank failed after ruining thousanas of poor 
people who had trusted in it. 

What becaine of Law afterwards ? 

He was driven in disgrace from France, to die later, 
in absolute want, at Venice. 

What was the nickname give?t to Law's famous Cojnpany ? 
The '^'^ Mississippi Bubble ;" because it had grown 
so big and burst so suddenly. 

Who was the first Governor appointed by the Mississippi 
Compa7iy ? 
Bienville. 

Can you tell the year f 
In 1718. 

What was the first act of Bienville's new administration f 
Being dissatisfied with Biloxi, his first act was to se- 
lect a spot on the Mississippi River as a suitable capital 
for the colony. 

What spot did he choose ? 

The site of an Indian village, which is that on which 
New Orleans now stands. 

What was the Jiajne given by the Indians to their village? 
TCHOUTCHOUMA. 

What measures did Bienville take to carry out his design ? 
He left a detachment of 50 men to prepare the ground 
for building. 



30 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA, 

Was the seat of government traiisf erred at this time ? 
This was not done until 1723, five years later. 

To what was this delay owi?tg ? 

To the opposition of the Mississippi Company, which, 
alarmed by what they had heard of the annual overflow 
of the Mississippi River, believed that the capital should 
be on the sea-shore. 

To who7n, then, 7Jiust the sole honor of the founding of New 
Orleans be ascribed? 

To the wise and far-seeing Bienville. 

Did the Mississippi Company fulfil its cojitract to send col- 
onists ? 

In part only. In spite, however, of the death of some 
and the desertion of many more, the population in 1722 
amounted to 5,240 whites and 600 negroes. 

Into how ?nany territorial districts was what was then called 
Louisiana divided? 

Nine, 

Can you name them? 

New Orleans, Biloxi, Mobile, Alabamons (now Ala- 
bama), Natchez, Yazoo, Natchitoches, Arkansas and 
Illinois. 

What occicrred in the year 1723 ? 

A tremendous hurricane that lasted three days. 

Did this hurricane do much dajnage ? 

It destroyed the church, the hospital and thirty 
houses ; the shipping in the harbor ; and the crops in 
the country. 

What may be observed in connection with hurricanes ? 
They were more frequent and more violent in those 
days than they are now. 

What was the effect of this disaster upon the colonists ? 
Most of them were so discouraged that they deter- 



THE EARLY EXPLORERS. 31 

mined to leave Kew Orleans. They were, however, 
finally induced, through Bienville's entreaties, to remain 
and go to work to rebuild the town. 

What was the result of this dissatisfaction ? 

A conspiracy was formed agamst Bienville, who was 
compelled to return to France in January, 1724, to an- 
swer the charges made against him. 



CHAPTER VTII. 

GOVERNOR PERIER'S ADMINISTRATION. 1726 to 1733. 

Did Bienville succeed in vindicating himself ? 

Not at that time ; for he had powerful enemies, who 
were strong enough, in spite of his innocence, to cause 
him to lose his office. 

Who was the new Governor named by the Mississippi Com- 
pany ? 

Perier, in August, 1726. 

How was the change received in New Orleans ? 
With great dissatisfaction — Bienville being greatly 
loved. 

For what was the year ijij 7to table? 
For the arrival of some Ursuline nuns and some 
Jesuit priests. 

Why did the Ursuline Jtuns come to New Orleans ? 
They had been invited to take charge of the Charity 
Hospital, which had been established there. 

What was the object of the fesuits in coming ? 

To open schools for the education of the young. 



32 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

What expedition did Governor P drier undertake in 1727 ? 
He made a tour of the French settlements at Bay St. 
Louis, Biloxi, Pascagoula and Mobile. 

What did he find the general condition of the colony to be? 

Worse than ever. There were few provisions, and 
these very dear. The citizens were suffering, and the 
soldiers complaining of not being provided by the Com- 
pany with food or clothing. 

What effect did these complaijits have up07i the Directors ? 
It caused them to declare that they would no longer 
support the heavy expenses of the colony. 

How much did the Company say that it had already spent? 
20,000,000 livres— about $4,000,000. 

To what resolution did it at last come ? 
To give up the charter as Anthony Crozat had pre- 
viously done. 

In what year was the transfer made? 
January, 1731. 

Can you state how long the Mississippi Company had con- 
trolled the colony ? 

How hng did Perier remain Governor after this ? 

For about a year. The King reassuming charge of 
the colony, recalled him, and once more appointed Bien- 
ville as Governor. 

What can be said of Perier s character ? 
That he was an honest man, but of a stern, unyield- 
ing disposition, and somewhat rough in manners. 



THE EARLY EXPLORERS. 33 

CHAPTER IX. 
BIENVILLE'S ADMINISTRATION (SECOND TERM). 1734-1743. 

In what war did Bienville find himself engaged at once ? 
In the war with the Ohickasaws. 

How many expeditions did he assemble against them ? 
Two. 

What may be said i7i a few words of these expeditions ? 

Though led in person by Bienville, they were, owing 
to various causes — prominent among which was the diffi- 
culty of obtaining supplies — unsuccessful. 

What occurred on Palm Sunday in the year 1737 ? 
A fearful hail-storm, the hail-stones of which are said 
to have been as large as common-sized eggs. 

How was Bienville impressed by his reverses in war ? 
He felt himself growing old, and wrote to the Gov- 
ernment, asking for his recall. 

What reasons did he give for such a request ? 

He stated that his success in the affairs of his colony 
had not been such as he had desired, and that, though he 
had hoped to pass tlie rest of his days there, a kind of 
fatality seemed to cling to whatever he did. 

How did the King receive Bienville's request ? 

He acceded to it, and Bienville returned to France. 

How does Bienville stand in the history of Louisiana ? 
As one of its purest and most unselfish rulers. No 
man ever did so much for the welfare of the colony. No 
man loved it more. 

What title may be given to him ? 

That of the Father of Louisiana. 



34 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA, 

Can you tell how old Bienvitte was when he left Louisiana 
for the last tiine ? 

About 65 years old. 

How did the colony regard him ? 

Not only his own people loved him, but the Indian 
allies honored and revered him. 

When, and tinder what circiwistances did he die ? 

Por answer to tMs, see Chapter XIV. 



CHAPTER X. 

DE VAUDREUIL'S ADMINISTKATIOK 1743-1753. 

Who was na?ned as Bienville's successor f 
The Marquis de Vaudreuil. 

When did he reach New Orleans ? 
May 10, 17-13. 

What order did Governor De Vaudreuil issue to protect 
the colony against overflow ? 

That the planters should place their levees in a safe 
condition under the penalty of forfeiting their lands. 

Was this order obeyed? 

It was, and this was the beginning of those magnifi- 
cent levees which are now built along both sides of the 
great river. 

What other decree did the Marquis issue itt 1 747 ? 
One fixing the precise boundaries of the district of 
New Orleans. 

How did these boundaries run ? 

They began at the mouth of the Mississippi Kiver, 
including both banks, up to the German settlement (in 



THE EARLY EXPLORERS. 35, 

the present Parish of St. Charles), above the town, and 
back of it, as far as Chantilly (now called Gentilly Road). 

In what year was the sugar-cane first introduced mto the 
colojiy? 
In 1751. 

What number of brick houses were built in New Orleans, 
the last three years of De VaudreuiVs administration ? 
Forty-five. 

What caused De Vaudreiiil-s departure at last ? 
The same dissensions which had been the curse of 
the colony from its foundation. 

Who was his successor? 
Gov. Kerlerec. 

When did Kerlerec take possession of the Government f 
February 9th, 1753. 

What became of De Vaudreuil? 

He was appointed Governor of Canada, where he 
distinguished himself for his gallant defence of that 
Province against the English in 1756. 

Can you tell what war that was ? 

What was his character f 

He was a high-toned, and an honorable man. He 
endeared himself to the colonists by his generosity and 
liberal hospitality, and was long spoken of among them 
as the *^ Great Marquis." 

The Sugar Cane was first brought into the colony from 
Hispaniola, by some Jesuit priests. Seed canes were distributed 
through the various plantations. Although every effort was 
made to make the culture profitable, it was not until 1796 — 45 
years afterward — that the cultivation of cane and the manu- 
facture of sugar were successfully introduced. 

In Chapter XXIII, the student will find under what circum- 
stances the sugar cane became an Aladdin's Lamp to Louisiana. 



36 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 



CHAPTEK XL 
THE NATCHEZ AND CHICKASAW WAR. 1722-1750. 

[It has been thought better to place the events connected with the Natchez 
and Chickasaw war in a separate chapter. Although they were scattered 
through successive administrations, they form, in fact, one dreary episode of 
wrongs and bloodshed.] 

What was a great drawback to the progress of the Colony f 
The frequent wars with the Indians. 

What disaster occurred in 1727 ? 

The massacre of the French living at !N'atchez, by 
the Natchez Indians. 

What caused this jnassacre ? 

The unjustifiable cruelty practiced towards the In- 
dians, by the French commander at that post. 

What gave greater ijtiportance to that event? 

In the attempt to avenge the death of their country- 
men, the French became involved in a general Indian 
war. 

Naine the priiicipal Indian tribes at this time. 
The Natchez, the Choctaws and the Chickasaws. 

Which of these tribes was the most civilised? 
The Natchez. 

Frojn what coutitry are the Natchez supposed to have come ? 
From Mexico. 

Did they have a?ty special form of worship ? 

Yes ; they worshiped the sun as their only God. 

Where was the Great Village of the Natchez situated? 
Near where the present city of Natchez stands. 

How 7nany warriors could they bring into the field? 
About four thousand. 



THE EARLY EXPLORERS. 37 

Which was the most numerous tribe? 
The Ohoctaws. 

How many villages did they own ; and how matty warriors 
coidd they muster ? 

Fifty-two villages ; and ten thousand warriors. 

What 7nay be said of the Choctaws ? 

That they proved generally, the most trusty friends 
of the French, as the Chickasaws were their fiercest 
enemies. 

Which was regarded as the most warlike tribe ? 
The Chickasaws. 

What was their reputation ? 

Although not numbering more than 2,500 warriors, 
they were more feared by the French, and gave more 
trouble to the colony, than all the other tribes together. 

Of what people were the Chickasaws the allies ? 
The English. 

What brought them iii conflict with the French ? 

After the Katchez had been driven from their homes 
by the French, they took refuge with the Chickasaws, 
who protected them. 

How did these Indian wars affect the colony f 

The Indians killed so many of the colonists living in 

the country, that the survivors, finally, in terror of their 

lives, fled to New Orleans. 

How was this injurious ? 

The farms were left uncultivated, and the crops 
perished. 

Was the war continuous ? 

Ko ; it would stop for a time — sometimes for years — 
to be renewed with greater fury than ever. 



38 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

What nation instigated the Indians to continue the cojitest ? 
England, the old enemy of the French. 

What did the English fijially succeed in doi^ig ? 
In inducing a number of the Choctaws to fight 
against the French. 

Who ivere more numerous — the Choctaws in favor of the 
French, or those against them ? 

The French party was much larger. 

How was the Choctaw war ended ? 

By the skill of a French officer, named Grand Pre, 
who, at the head of the Frencli Choctaws, gave a crush- 
ing defeat to the other party. 

Who was finally siiccessftil in the general war ? 

The French, but not until after they had suffered 
many defeats, sacrificed many lives, and lost much 
valuable property. 

How long did these Indian wars last ? 

For twenty-eight years, from 17'-22 to 1750. 

Under what Governor did these Indian wars begin ? 
Under what Governor did they end ? 

Give an instance of the boldness of the Indians. 

Some sportsmen who had gone out to hunt, were 
killed by them in the immediate neighborhood of New 
Orleans. 

What was the result of the wars f 

The Natchez were utterly destroyed, and the power 
of the Chickasaws was much crippled. 

What compliment did Governor De Vaudreuil pay to the 
Creole soldiers ? 

He declared them to be the fittest men to fight 
against the Chickasaws — far better than the French 
troops. 



THE EARLY EXPLORERS. 39 

The Natchez Indians were, by far, the most civilized tribe 
residing, at the time of the discovery, within the limits of the 
old Province of Louisiana. 

Their real origin dated back beyond the memory even of 
tradition. Their wise men spoke fancifully of their ancestors 
having come from a land close to that glowing Sun which they 
worshiped. Where that country was, none of them knew. 
They told the French that, between the Land of the Sun and 
their home on the great River, where they made their last des- 
perate stand, their fathers, in the old time, had stopped in 
Mexico. Who can tell when and during how many years the 
Natchez stayed in Mexico? " That happened many, many Suns 
before our time," — that was all their old men said. 

The Natchez were far ahead of the other Indian tribes in their 
system of government. Their king exercised supreme authority. 
He was called the " Great Sun." He was reverenced next to 
the Great Sun, his Brother, shining in heaven. The members of 
the Royal Family — numbering 500 persons — were called " Suns." 
The Natchez had their gentry, or men of consideration, who made 
the second class. Their third and last class were known as miche 
quipy, common people. 

The Natchez were gentle in their bearing, and very grave and 
wise in council. They were brave warriors, but they were men 
of peace, instead of war. It was their wars that had driven them 
ages back, from the Land of the Sun into Mexico, It was their 
wars that had forced them to leave Mexico to form a new civiliza- 
tion upon the banks of a river, which was inhabited only by 
savage and hostile tribes. 

The Natchez were remarkable for their stature. The men 
were tall and symmetrical. Very few of them were less than six 
feet high. The smallest man known to the French measured five 
feet. He was looked upon as a dwarf, and was ashamed to show 
his face among the men of liis tribe. 



40 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

CHAPTEE XII. 
KERLEREC'S ADMimSTRATIOK 1753-1763. 

What had Kerlerec beeti before being appozjited governor ? 
A captain in the French Navy. 

What was the opi7iio7i he formed of the arviy of the colony? 
He found the Swiss soldiers superior to the French. 

What did he do in consequence of his opi7iion f 

He wrote to the Government suggesting that the 

French companies should be reduced in number and 

their places supplied by the Swiss. 

What was the proportioJt of these troops in New Or leasts ? 
900 French and 75 Swiss. 

What made Kerlerec anxious at this ti?ne? 
The unprotected state of the colony, and the threat- 
ened attack by the English. 

What justified this anxiety ? 

The fact that the English had recently attacked the 
French in Canada, and were threatening the entire 
French settlements in America. 

Can you tell anything about this war in Canada in 1756 ? 

Did Kerlerec take any measures against the danger? 

He did all he could. He established a force of scouts 
at Cat Island ; strengthened the fortifications at the Eng- 
lish Turn ; and urged the Government to send a rein- 
forcement of 500 soldiers. 

What precautiojis meanwhile did he take in New Orleans? 
He had it surrounded by a ditch-palisade. 

Were his appeals to the Governmejit atte7ided to ? 

No ; Louis XV, who had succeeded Louis XIV, was 



THE EARLY EXPLORERS. 41 

not a warlike King like his grandfather. During his 
reign, neither France nor her colonies prospered. 

What were the English doing all this time f 
They kept a number of armed privateers around the 
mouth of the Mississippi Eiver. 

What injury did they do to the French by this ? 

By means of the blockade, the English cut off all 
communication between France and the colony for three 
years. 

When did the first vessel reach New Orleans ? 
In August, 1758. It brought a new commissary, who 
was provided with supplies and clothing for the colony. 

What soon resulted from his arrival? 

The old story. Governor Kerlerec and the new com- 
missary were soon on bad terms. Kerlerec complained 
to the king that the commissary was dishonest, and the 
commissary declared that the governor was corrupt. 

What did the king do ? 

He recalled the commissary first, and afterwards 
Kerlerec himself. 

Who was appointed Kerlerec s successor ? 

Abbadie, who reached New Orleans, June 29, 1763. 

How Ions: had Kerlerec been o^overnor ? 
About ten years and five months. 

What became of him on his return to France ? 
He was accused of having violated his duty, and 
was thrown into the Bastile. 

The Bastile was a famous prison for political prisoners in 
Paris. It was destroyed by the mob during the French Revolu- 
tion. Its last stone was knocked down ; and it was regretted by 
no one. 



THE SPANISH DOMINATION. 



CHAPTER XHI. 

THE CESSION TO SPAIN. 1763. 

What iinportajit event occurred durmg Kerlerecs adjnin- 
istration ? 

The cession, by France to Spain, of tlie colony of 
Louisiana. 

What was the cause of the cesszo?t ? 

Louis XV, like his grandfather Louis XIV, like 
Crozat and the Mississippi Company, had grown tired of 
paying the expenses of a colony which brought him 
nothing. 

How did Spam receive the offer made by France ? 

At first, very unwillingly. She declared that she had 
too many colonies already. Finally, however, on King 
Louis urging her to do so, that country consented to 
accept the gift. 

When was the Treaty of Cession sighted by Spain ? 
February 10th, 1763. 

What other country was made a party to the treaty ? 
England. 

What did Spain receive on the West side of the Mississippi 
River ? 

All the vast territory extending from its mouth to 
its utmost tributaries. 



THE SPANISH DOMINATION. 43 

Wkat did she receive on the East bank? 

The city of New Orleans, and the surrounding coun- 
try, extending from the mouth of the Mississippi to the 
Iberville River (now Bayou Manchac), thence, by an 
imaginary line, drawn in the middle of that stream, 
through Lakes Maurepas and Pontchartrain, back to 
the Gulf of Mexico. 

What was Eitgland's share ? 

The port and river of Mobile, and all the country on 
the East bank of the Mississippi from its source to the 
Iberville Eiver. It was by this same treaty that Canada 
was ceded to England. 

Note. The teacher should make himself certain here that the 
class understands perfectly, on the map, what was Spain's share 
and what was England's. 

Can you point out on the map England's share ? 

How were the colo7iists pleased with this cession? 
Not at all ; they protested strongly against it. 

How did the Indian allies receive it ? 

They were very angry. They declared that the 
King of France had no right to transfer them to any 
new white chief, like so much cattle. 

What did many of the tribes do ? 

They came to New Orleans with all their goods, 
and were granted lands on the West bank of the Missis- 
sippi. 

Durijig all this tinte what was Spain doing ? 
Nothing. 

What do you infer fro7n this ? 

That Spain was not very anxious to take possession 
of her new colony. 



44 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

How did the colony first receive an official Jiotice of the 
transfer ? 

By a letter from Louis XV himself to Governor 
Abbadie. 

When was this letter announced in New Orleans ? 
In October, 1764. 

How Florida was Divided. At this time, wliatwas known 
as Florida, which was a Spanish colony, was* divided into two 
governments. These divisions were called " East Florida " and 
" West Florida." 

East Florida was retained by Spain, with St. Augustine as 
its capital. 

West Florida with the Mississippi River, north of the Iber- 
ville, as its western boundary, and the mouth of the Yazoo River 
as its northern limit, was included within the territory ceded to 
England. Pensacola was made its capital. 

Let the pupil remember this when the Spanish Governor 
Galvez shall, a few years later, lead his soldiers and ships against 
Pensacola. 



CHAPTER XIY. 



THE CESSION TO SPAIN. ULLOA'S ARKIVAL AKD 
EXPULSION. 17G5-1768. 

What event occurred in 1765 ? 

The death of Governor Abbadie, who was much liked 
in the colony. 

Was his successor a Frenchman or a Spaniard ? 

A Frenchman, Captain Anbry, an officer who had 
previously distinguished himself at Fort Duquesne. 

What do you know of the attack on Fort Duquesne ? 

What did the inhabitants of the colony do after receiving 
the official ajznotmcejnent of the cession ? 

They met in convention at New Orleans, and agreed 



THE SPANISH DOMINATION. 45 

upon a resolution, appealing to Louis not to separate 
them from the mother-country. 

Whom did they make the bearer of their petition ? 
Jean Milhet — the richest merchant in the colony. 

Whom did Milhet first consult on his arrival in Paris? 
Bienville, who was at the time in his 86th year, and 
very weak in body, although strong in mind. 

What did Bienville do to assist him ? 

He accompanied Milhet to see the Prime Minister, 
De Choiseul, and begged him, with tears in his eyes, to 
allow Louisiana to remain under the French Government. 

What was the Minister's answer ? 

He replied that he could do nothing, because, if 
Louisiana continued to belong to France, it would be 
certainly seized by the English, with whom the French 
were always at war. 

How did the rejection affect Bienville ? 

So deeply that after leaving the minister's cabinet, 
the good old man fell sick and died, in a few days, from 
grief. 

How lo7ig did the Spanish Goverjtment delay senditig a 
governor to New Orleans ? 

For nearly a year, when it appointed Don Antonio de 
TJlloa governor. 

Did Ulloa come at once to New Orleans f 

No ; he remained at Flavana for nearly a year. 

When did he at last reach New Orleans ? 
March 5, 17G6. 

How long was this after the signing of the Treaty of Cession ? 

How was he received by the Louisianians ? 
Very coldly. 



46 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

What did Ulloa decline to do ? 

He declined to show, as he was asked to do, his com- 
mission as governor to the Superior Council of New 
Orleans. 

What was the ground of his refusal? 
That he had nothing at all to do with that body, but 
only with Captain Aubry, the French governor. 

What other reason did Ulloa give for this course ? 

That he would not take formal possession of the 
country, until the Spanish troops which he expected 
should arrive. 

What was the population of the colony at this time ? 

By a census ordered by Ulloa, it was estimated at 
10,004 persons in all — half of whom were colored. There 
were 1,893 men able to carry arms. 

How did Governor Ulloa seem disposed towards the col- 
onists ? 

Very kindly at first. His reports to his Government 
were all friendly. 

In what way did the colonists look upon him ? 
With great bitterness. They opposed almost every 
measure suggested by him. 

What especially excited their indignation ? 
A certain law regulating commerce, which Ulloa had 
been ordered by his government to enforce. 

Did he proclaijn the law himself? 

No ; but through Aubry, who was still acting as 
'French governor. 

How did the colonists show their disapproval of the law ? 

A petition complaining of Governor Ulloa's admin- 
istration was signed by over 1,000 citizens. They rose 
in arms and paraded the streets. 



THE SPANISH DOMINATION. 47 

What body did the citisejts find ready to assist them ? 

The Superior Council, whicli had been displeased by 
the Spanish governor's course towards it. 

What did the Council do ? 

It met, and on October 29, 1768, decreed that TJlloa 
should leave the colony within three days. 

How did Governor Attbry act in this emergency ? 

Like an honest man. Fearing that some violence 
might be done to Gov. Ulloa, he accompanied him and 
his family, with a few French troops who had remained 
true to him, to a Spanish man-of-war, the Volante, then 
lying in front of the city. 

Did Ulloa leave within the time specified by the Council? 

Yes ; sailing on November 1, 1768, for Havana. 

How long had Grovernor TJlloa been in Louisiana ? 

How many ringleaders were there in the revolution ? 

Twelve — the chief of whom was one Lafreniere, the 
French king's Attorney-General. Among them was the 
same Jean Milhet, whom the colonists had sent to Paris 
as their ambassador. 

Governor Ulloa's Commercial Regulation was one con- 
fining the trade of the colony to six Spanish ports, viz. : Seville, 
Alicant, Carthagena, Malaga, Barcelona and Coruna. 

Vessels were prohibited from engaging in the trade, unless 
they were either Spanish-built, or commanded by Spaniards. 

This was a bad regulation, because it not only broke up an 
active trade already established with French ports, but imposed 
heavy expenses of transportation, which, as the colonists com- 
plained, swallowed up all their profits. 

The Chiefs of the Revolution were among the most in- 
fluential citizens of New Orleans. 

They loved France better than France loved Louisiana. They 
believed that a mother-country was as much bound to take care 
of her colonies, as a good mother is to protect her children. 

This was a sad mistake. The end for them made the mistake 
sadder. 



48 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA, 



CHAPTER XY. 

GENERAL O'REILLY'S ARRIVAL. THE TRIAL OF 
LAFREiXIERE AND HIS COMPANIONS. 1769. 

What course did Governor Aubry pursue after UUoas 
departure ? 

He wrote to the French G-overnment, without delay, 
informing it of all that had happened. 

What measures of defetice did the citizens take ? 

They sent also their own statement, defending their 
action, and begging Louis to receive them back under 
his authority. 

What reply did Louis give ? 
A cold refusal. 

Who was the King of Spain at this tiine ? 
Charles IH, an able king, and a just man. 

What was the course taken by Charles ? 
He at once called a Council of his Ministers at 
Madrid. 

To what decision did the Ministers C07ne ? 
That Spain should retain possession of Louisiana, in 
spite of what had occurred. 

What was the final conclusion of the Spanish Kittg? 

To send to New Orleans an army large enough to 
chastise the insult to the Spanish crown, and to enforce 
its authority in the colony. 

Who was appointed Cover Jtor and Ceneral of the army f 
General Alexander O'Reilly. 

What was Ceneral O'Reillys reputation ? 

That of a brave and gallant officer, of the highest 



THE SPANISH J) 03f /NATION. 49 

rank in the Spanish army, and in King Charles' con- 
fidence. 

I/ow did the citizens of New Orleans receive the news of 
the formidable preparations of Spain? 

Already disheartened by the French king's rejection 
of their petition, they were thrown into a state of great 
alarm. 

When did Getter al O'Reilly reach New Orleans ? 
He made his appearance with his fleet, and entered 
the city on Angust 18th, 1769. 

Of how many vessels did his fleet consist f 
Of twenty-four sail, containing an army of 2,600 men, 
among the best troops in the Spanish army. 

What step did O' Reilly first take? 

To order the arrest of Lafreniere and the other 
chiefs of the revolution. 

How did the people receive the news of these arrests ? 
They were seized with terror. They deserted the 
streets and closed the doors of their houses. 

How did O'Reilly quiet their fears ? 
By a proclamation, declaring that only those who had 
led the colonists in the insurrection would be punished. 

Did the trial proceed? 

Yes ; all the prisoners, with the exception of one who 
died in prison on the day of his arrest, were brought to 
trial. 

This was Villere, the ancestor of one of the most honorable 
families in Louisiana, who died. His death is said to have been 
caused by apoplexy. 

What was the verdict of the court ? 
All were found guilty. 



50 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

Were all condemned to the same ptmishment ? 

No ; six of them, Lafreniere among them, were sen- 
tenced to be hanged as the chief leaders. The others 
were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment, from 
six to ten years, and forbidden ever to live within the 
Spanish dominions. 

Was the sentence of hanging carried out ? 
It was not. No hangman could be found, and those 
condemned to death were ordered to be shot. 

The Public Hangman. An interesting story is connected 
with the appointment of the first hangman for the colony. 

In the days of the Mississippi Company, Jean^'OT, one of its 
slaves, was offered his freedom on condition of acting as hang- 
man. Jeannot appeared to accept the offer. However, there was 
nothing farther from his heart. He requested permission to go 
to a distance. Once there, he deliberately seized a hatchet and 
cut off his right arm. Then he returned and showed his bleed- 
ing stump. He could not serve as hangman. 

Jeannot received his reward. He was appointed overseer of 
all the slaves belonging to the company. He lived and died 
honored by the entire colony. 

In the case of Lafreniere and his companions, no man, white 
or black, was base enough to act the part of hangman of the 
gallant patriots. 

What may be said of this verdict ? 

Though Lafreniere and his companions had openly 
conspired against the Spanish Government, the sentence 
approved by General O'Reilly was, under the circum- 
stances, a most cruel one. 

What 7nore may be said of it ? 

It has remained ever since a dark stain npon the mem- 
ory of General O'Keilly. 

What became of the companions of those shot? 

They were taken to Havana and imprisoned in the 



THE SPANISH DOMINATION. 51 

Morro Castle, but they were soon released by the Span- 
ish king. 

This Release was due to tlie son of Masan — one of the con- 
demned. Young Masan threw himself at the feet of King Charles, 
and nobly pleaded to be allowed to take his unhappy father's place. 
The king was so touched by this evidence of filial love that he, at 
once, ordered the discharge of all the prisoners. 

What was the fate of Governor Aubry ? 

Shortly after O'Eeilly's arrival, he left Louisiana for 
Bordeaux in France. The vessel had already reached 
the river Garonne, when it was wrecked, and Aubry, 
among others, was lost. 

What touching evidence of fidelity is told of two slaves ? 

Artus, a cook and a confiscated slave of Lafreni^re, 
and Cupidon, a house-servant, who had belonged to 
Caresse, another of the executed leaders, on General 
O'Reilly's ordering them to perform their special duties 
in his own household, refused on the ground that ^^ they 
luould never serve flieir master'' s assassin.'^ 



CHAPTEE XYI. 

O'REILLY'S ADMimSTRATION. 1769-1770. 

What did O'Reilly do, after the execution of Lafrenikre, 
to restore the co7ifide7ice of the people ? 

He sent away the larger number of the Spanish troops. 

How many did he retaitt ? 
About 1,200 soldiers. 

How many had been sent away ? 

To what effect was the next proclamation issued by hint ? 
By proclamation, November 25, 1769, O'Reilly abol- 
ished the tribunal known as the Siii>erior Council. 



52 HISTORY Ot LOUISIANA. 

What reason did he assign for this step ? 
The conduct of the Council during the revolution 
against Governor Ulloa. 

What body did Governor O'Reilly establish in its place ? . 
One known as the Cabildo. 

What was the Cabildo ? 

A body consisting of nine officials, and a clerk — pre- 
sided over by the Governor himself. 

Was the colony permitted to remain under the French laws ? 

No ; O'Eeilly was ordered by the Spanish king to 
govern it by the same laws which prevailed in the other 
Spanish provinces. 

What was the colony farther made? 
A dependency of the Island of Cuba. 

What can be said of O'Reilly's policy towards the French 
colonists ? 

It was, after the execution of the revolutionists, gen- 
erally, both friendly and impartial. 

Why does it deserve to be so called? 
O'Eeilly, in selecting the members of the Cabildo, 
appointed Frenchmen to many of the positions. 

How else did he show his desire to cojiciliate the colonists ? 
By retaining, almost without exception, the French 
commandants at the various posts. 

What excellent commercial regulatio7is were recommended 
by Ge7ieral O'Reilly to the kiiig ? 

The establishment of free trade with Cuba. 

What articles were iticluded in this traffic ? 

To use O'Eeilly's own words : " The colony wants 
flour, wine, oil, instruments, arms, ammunition and 
every sort of manufactured goods for clothing and other 
domestic purposes." 



THE SPANISH DOMINATION. 53 

What were the productions which the colony had to ex- 
change for these goods? 

Timber, indigo, cotton, furs, and a small quantity 
of corn and rice. 

What may be said of O' Reilly s policy to the Spanish Indians ? 

It was marked by justice. He used his best exertions 
to prevent them from being cheated by the whites, and 
to urge them to live in friendship with other tribes. 

Had General O'Reilly come to the colony with the intention 
of remaining ? 

No ; he had been temporarily appointed, merely to 
punish the insult to the Spanish crown, and to restore 
public order. He was directed, after having accom- 
plished those purposes, to return to Spain. 

When did he leave New Orleans? 
October 29, 1770. 

How long had O'Keilly been in Louisiana ? 

What is the character with which General O'Reilly has 
come down to posterity ? 

That of a gallant officer, an honorable man, and with 
the single exception of his severity toward the French 
revolutionists, a mild and just Governor. 



CHAPTEE XYII. 
UNZAGA'S ADMINISTRATION. 1770-1777. 

Whom did Cf Reilly leave as Governor of Louisiana ? 
Don Louis de Unzaga. 

In what capacity had Unzaga first cofne to the colony? 
As Colonel of the Regiment of Havana. He was 
confirmed as Governor only later, in August, 1772. 



54 SISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

Who arrived in the begirmiug of 1772 ? 

A priest and two assistants who were sent, at the 
king's expense, to teach the young Louisianians the 
Spanish language. 

Had O'Reilly's reco7nmendations for Free Trade been at- 
tended to by the king ? 

Yes, in August, 1772 ; but so partially that it did 
not prove very advantageous to the colony. 

What course did Governor Unzaga take on his own re- 
sportsibility ? 

He allowed the colony to trade openly with the 
English on the Mississippi Kiver. 

What had the English been doing previously ? 
Carrying on an active smuggling trade. 

What had been one of their devices ? 

They had turned two large vessels into floating stores. 
It was their habit to stop these vessels along the bank, 
making fast to a tree, and tempt every man with a sight 
of their goods. 

In what way was Unzaga s action useful? 

It enabled the people, who could not otherwise get 
supplies, to buy them from the English without fear of 
punishment. 

What is to be remarked of the winter of iyj2} 
That it was the severest known to tlie colonists, after 
the winters of 1748 and 1766. 

Give an i?tsta?ice of the force of the terrible hurricane in 
that year. 

A British schooner was driven to Cat Island, where 
the waters rose so high that they carried her bodily over 
the island. 

With what nation did Unzaga fear trouble in 1776 ? 
With England. 



THE SPANISH DOMINATION. 55 

To what was this owing f 

To the war then going on between England and her 
American colonies. 

What had made Governor Unzaga anxious ? 

A number of American merchants from Boston, New 
York and Philadelphiaj who were then in New Orleans, 
had succeeded in sending from that town a large supply 
of arms and ammunition to the patriots of Western 
Pennsylvania. 

Had this been done with the Spanish Governor s knowledge ? 
It had, and Governor Unzaga feared that the English 
would call him to account for it. 

Who was most active amo7tg the Americans ? 
Oliver Pollock, an enterprising merchant. 

Did England take any action itt the matter ? 
None at all. She found the Americans to be all that 
she could manage for eight long years. 

What honor was conferred upon the Governor during this 
year ? 

He was made Brigadier-General in the Spanish 
army. 

' How did he receive this promotion ? 
Not very cheerfully, for he petitioned the king to be 
allowed to retire from the colony with the pay of Colonel. 

What reasons did he give for his request ? 

His advanced age, and the bad state of his health. 

With what success did his petitien 7neet f 

King Charles granted it so far as to permit him to 
leave Louisiana ; but he declined to allow him to leave 
active service. 

"Was this decision complimentary, or not, to Unzaga ? 



56 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

What honorable appoinhnent did the king confer on him 
on leaving New Orleatis ? 

Tliat of Ca23tain-General of Caraccas. 

Where is Oaraccas ? (See the map of South America.) 
What may be said of Unzagas administratioji as Governor ? 
It was throughout more that of a wise and indulgent 
father than a ruler, and gained for him the affection of 
the entire colony. 

How long was Unzaga Governor ? 



CHAPTEK XYIII. 

GALVEZ'S ADimiSTKATIOX. 1777-1783. 

Whom did Ufizaga leave as Governor on his departure, 
February i, 1777? 

Don Bernardo de Galvez. 

What was Galvez at the tiine ? 

Colonel of the Regiment of Louisiana. 

What is there peculiar about his appointment? 

He was the youngest governor Louisiana ever had. 

Why do you say so? 

He was not more than twenty-one years old, when he 
entered upon his high duties. 

What can you say with regard to Galvez s paretttage ? 

He belonged to one of the most powerful families in 
Spain. His father was Viceroy of Mexico, and an uncle 
was King Charles' chief and favorite minister. 

What prudent mcwe was taken by the Governor concerning 
the conwierce of the colony ? 

He allowed the colonists to export their produce to 



\ 




N. Y. JIuj) luul Kflicf-Liiie Knj;. «'<>•. ' ' Maiioii St. 



THE SPANISH DOMINATION. 57 

any of the French ports — a privilege that had been re- 
fused to them since the days of Governor Ulloa. 

Ifow did this extension of the trade affect the colony ? 
Very beneficially, in reviving the hopes of the people, 
and enabling them to get better prices for their products. 

What other for timate event occurred in 1778 ? 
The arrival of a number of families, sent, at the Span- 
ish king's expense, from the Canary Islands. 

The Canary Island Colonists remained only a few days in 
New Orleans. They soon scattered themselves over the colony. 
Some, under the command of Marigny de Mandeville, — one of the 
most famous of the early Louisianians — settled in the present Par- 
ish of St. Bernard. Others made a settlement twenty-four miles 
from what is now the city of Baton Roage. The remainder es- 
tablished themselves on Bayou Lafourche. 

In January, 1799, some five hundred more arrived from the 
Canaries. These were taken to the Attakapas District, and made 
their homes on the banks of the beautiful Bayou Teche. 

"Where are the Canary Islands ? [See Map of Europe.] 

How are the descendants of these coIo7tists known to-day ? 
Under the name of Islingues — a name derived from 
the Spanish word Islenos (meaning islanders). 

What has contribitted to make Governor Galvez's Admin- 
istration one of the most famous ijt the history of Louisiana ? 

His brilliant military enterprises against the English 
posts during the American Revolution. 

In what way was Louisiana brought into that war ? 

France, the ally of Spain, having recognized the in- 
dependence of the United States, Spain, after having her 
propositions for peace rejected by England, declared war 
against that country, May 8, 1779. 

How was the news of hostilities received by Gov. Galvez ? 
He hailed it with joy. 
3* 



58 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

Why? 

He was young and thirsted for military glory. 

What did he do ? 

He at once planned an attack upon the English posts 
at Bayou Manchac, Baton Rouge, and Natchez, which he 
submitted to a council of war for their approval. 

What did the council advise ? 

They were timid, rejected the proposition, and re- 
commended him to'sus^oend all plans of attack until the 
arrival of reinforcements from Havana. 

Was Galvez inclined to follow this advice ? 
No ; he at once resolved to act on his own responsi- 
bility. 

How did he proceed? 

He called a mass-meeting of the inhabitants of Kew 
Orleans, and, after telling them that war had been de- 
clared by Spain against England, and that they must de- 
fend themselves against the English, exclaimed : " Will 
you stand by me, and conquer or die with your governor 
and for your king ?" 

What answer did tJie people give to this ? 
They tendered their lives for the defence of Louisiana 
and for the service of the king. 

Fifteen Hundred young Creoles responded to Galvez's 
appeal of " Let those who love me follow cohere 1 lead." Through 
all the fortunes of the war, they remained faithful to their bril- 
liant young Governor, 



THE SPANISH DOMINATION, 59 

CHAPTER XIX. 

GALYEZ'S ADML^ISTRATON (CONTmUED). THE WAR 
AGAINST THE ENGLISH. 1779. 

What was Galves s first step ? 

He put all the provisions, ammunition and artilleiy 
into one small schooner and three gun-boats, which he 
directed to ascend the river, while his army marched 
along the banks. 

When did the army leave New Orleans? 
August 27, 1779. 

Who commanded it? 

It was commanded by the Governor himself, with 
Don Estevan Miro, as next in rank. 

What was its stre7igth on starting out ? 

It consisted of 170 regular soldiers and 330 recruits ; 
30 carbiniers; 60 militiamen; a company of 80 free 
colored men; 9 American volunteers, led by Oliver 
Pollock, the agent of the American Confess. 

What reinforcements did Galvez receive on the way? 

Six hundred volunteers, white and colored, besides 
160 Indians who had been gathered up at the different 
settlements, the whole forming a body of 1,430 men. 

What was the first English post attacked? 

Fort Manchac, situated about 130 miles from New 
Orleans. Its garrison being small, it was cai-ried by 
storm on September 7th. 

What place did Calves next capture? 
The fort of Baton Rouge. It was strongly fortified 
and defended by 400 regulai-s and 100 militiamen. The 



60 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

fort and garrison surrendered, September 21, after a 
bombardment of ten hours. 

Wkat7vas on^ of the conditions imposed by Galvez on the 
garrison at Baton Rouge ? 

That Fort Pan mure, at Natchez, should be delivered 

up to the Spaniards. 

Was this condition conipUed with f 

It was ; and the fort surrendered with its entire gar- 
rison of eighty grenadiers. 

During these movements on land, what was being done on 

the water ? 

Several English vessels were captured by greatly 

inferior forces. 

What were the most important of these captures? 

That of the English privateer " West Florida," by an 
American named Pikle, on Lake Pontchartrain ; and 
the boarding and capture, by Vincent Rieux, a native 
of New Orleans, assisted by thirteen other Creoles, of 
an English bark, well armed, and carrying fifty-four 
grenadiers and their officers, and ten or twelve sailors. 

This was a most gallant exploit. Rieus and liis men were 
hailed everywhere as heroes. 

Name the general results of this gallant campaign. 

The capture of eight yessels and three forts ; five 
hundred and fifty-six regulars, including Lieut. Col. 
Dickenson, the British commander-in-chief, and many 
sailors and militiamen. The Spanish loss was very slight. 

How did the Creole militia behave? 
With great discipline and fortitude. 
What volunteers were particularly bitter agaifist the 
English ? 

The Acadians. 



THE SPANISH DOMINATION. 61 

For reason for this, see Chapter V. of the Geography, page 

What did Galvez say about the colored coinpajiies ? 

That they had acted with as much valor as the whites. 

What was observed of the Indian allies ? 
That they had refrained from all violence toward the 
prisoners. 

What instance caji yoti give of this ? 

Many of them brought in their arms, to the Governor, 
little children who had taken refuge in the woods with 
their mothers. 

What did Galvez do after the t apture of Fort Panmure ? 
He returned to New Orleans where he allowed the 
militia to go to their homes. 



CHAPTER XX. 
GALVEZ'S ADMINISTRATOR (COOTmUED). 1780. 

What occurred in October ? 

The arrival of a reinforcement of Spanish troops from 
Havana. 

What did this arrival induce Galvez to plan f 
An expedition against Mobile. He was enthusiasti- 
cally assisted in his preparations by the Creoles, who 
had now the greatest confidence in their young Governor. 

When did the expedition start ? 

It sailed from the Balize, Feb. 5, 1780. 

What was its strength ? 

Two thousand men, regulars, militia and some com- 
panies of colored men. 



62 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

Did the English at Mobile offer any resistance ? 
Very little, the garrison not being larg€. 

Why was Galvez fortunate in securing so prompt a sur- 
render ? 

Because Gen. Campbell, the English commander at 
Pensacola, a few days after, arrived near Mobile with a 
force sufficient to have saved the fort. But it not being 
strong enough to retake the fort from the Spaniards, he 
returned with his army to Pensacola without doing any- 
thing. 

Against what poitit did Galvez next propose to move? 
Against Pensacola, the strongest of the English posts. 

Where did he go to organize an army for this expedition f 
To Havana. 

What beca?ne of the first expeditio7i ? 

It was dispersed in a violent hurricane, a number of 
vessels foundered, and Galvez was compelled to return to 
Havana with the remnant. 

Was Galvez discouraged by this misfortune f " 
No ; he at once organized another and a stronger 
force and left Havana, February 28, for Pensacola. 

Of what was the second army composed? 

One ship of the line and two frigates, under the com- 
mand of a Spanish admiral, and several transports on 
which were 1,400 soldiers, with ample artillery. 

What was his first step on reaching the neighborhood of 
Pejtsacola ? 

He found that where the vessels were outside the 
bar, they were in danger from storms. He, therefore, 
nailed upon the admiral of the Spanish fleet to consult 
liis captains as to the best way of getting the ships over 
the bar into a safe place. 



THE SPANISH DOMINATION. 63 

What was the reply of those officers ? 

That they thought that any attempt to cross the bar 
would expose the fleet to a raking tire from the English 
forts inside, and that any attack, by water, on the Brit- 
ish would be fruitless. 

Of wliat similar event in Galvez's own career does this action 
of the Admiral remind you ? 

What was Galvezs course after this ti7nid counsel? 

He waited for a few days, when Don Estevan Miro 
arrived in charge of the Creole troops. He then took a 
brig, a schooner and two small gunboats — all the naval 
force of which Louisiana could boast — and, in spite of a 
heavy fire poured upon his little fleet, he succeeded in 
landing safely at the lower part of the bay. 

What effect did this heroic achievemefit have upon the 
Spanish Admiral and his officers ? 

Fired by Galvez's example, and afraid of being dis- 
honored if they remained behind, they crossed the bar 
with the fleet and joined his forces. 

When did the attack on Pe?tsacola bes'in ? 

In the beginning of April, a simultaneous fire' was 
opened by both the fleet and the army upon the forts, 
and was continued day after day. 

Did this bombardment make any impression ? 
Very little, as the English fortifications were un- 
usually strong. 

What finally compelled the English to surrender ? 
The merest accident. 

What was this accident ? 

In the first week of May, a powder magazine blew up 
in the fort. A breach was thus made, througli which 
Galvez sent a strong detachment which took possession 
of the redoubt, and opened a fire ui)on the English with 



64 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

their own guns. Galvez himself, at the head of the army, 
was preparing to storm, when the garrison surrendered. 

How many men did General CaiJipbell surrender f 
More than 800 regulars. 

What was the result of this victory? 
The whole province of West Florida remained in the 
hands of the Spaniards. 

West Flokida, as the pupil will see, has once more fallen 
into the possession of the Spaniards, It was ceded to England in 
1764 [See Note Chapter XIII]. 

Thus, when Governor Galvez captured Peusacola, the capital 
of British Florida, he merely restored West Florida to the country 
to which most of it had originally belonged. 

The Spain of those days never forgot the services of her gal- 
lant sons. And Galvez — one of the most gallant of her sons — 
was soon rewarded with higher honors. No Spanish Governor in 
Louisiana could ever lay such claims to such honors. 

What reasons have the Louisianians to be proud of their 
action in this campaign ? 

That they too, though under the Spanish flag, assisted 
the Ainericmis in their struggle for indejyendence. 

What reward did Galvez receive for the capture of Pen- 
sacola ? 

He was promoted to the grade of Lieutenant-General, 
and appointed Captain-General of the provinces of 
Louisiana and Florida. 

When was the Treaty of Peace signed betweett Great Brit- 
ain, the United States a7id Spain ? 
September 3, 1783. 

What did Spain gain by this treaty ? 
West Florida was secured to her. 

What privileg zn connection with the Mississippi River 
did the Ufiited Stales gain by it ? 

The navigation of the Mississippi, from its source to 
its mouth, was declared free and open to their citizens. 



THE SPANISH D03IINATI0N. 65 

What zs to be remarked of the wijtter of 1783-84 ? 
That it was a very severe one. 

Give a?t instance of its extreme severity. 

The whole river in front of New Orleans was filled 
with fragments of floating ice, mostly from twelve to 
thirty feet long, and two to three feet thick. All com- 
munication between the two banks was interrupted 
between the 13th and 19th of February, 1784. 

This is the only time, probably, that ice of such proportions 
has been seen floating down the Mississippi as far as New Orleans. 

When did Calves leave the colony, and how ? 

His father dying in the summer of 1785, he suc- 
ceeded him as Viceroy of Mexico, and at once proceeded 
to his new post. 

When did he die ? 

In 1794, aged 38 years. 

What had been the character of Galvezs administration? 
Mild, just, and enlightened. 

What was Ms character as a soldier ? 



CHAPTER XXI. 

MIRO'S ADMINISTRAHOI. 1785-1792. 

Who succeeded Calves as Covernor ? 
Don Estevan Miro. 

Who was Miro ? 

What beca?ne the new title of the Spanish Governors from 
this time ? 

Governor of the Provinces of Louisiana and West 
Florida. • 



66 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

No Better Proof can be given of the satisfaction that Spain 
really felt, in once more securing possession of the Province of 
West Florida, than this addition to the title and authority of tho 
Governors of Louisiana. By it, she declared emphatically her 
purpose to maintain her hold over the Province. 

Let not the pupil forget this, when Louisiana is ceded back by 
Spain to France in 1803 ; when France sells " Louisiana " to the 
United States ; and when the United States are not quite sure 
whether they have bpught West Florida, or not, but on the 
whole, think that they have, and are going to stand by what 
they think. 

What was the population of New Or leasts in 1785 .^ 
Four thousand eight hundred and ninety, and that of 
the whole colony, including Mobileand Natchez, 31,433. 

As the population in 1769 was 13,538 ; how much had it 
gained ? 

What cause of trouble did Governor Mirb have at first? 

The Americans complained that they were not al- 
lowed the free navigation of the Mississippi Kiver, as had 
been promised by the Treaty ; but that, when they 
brought their produce down the river, they were com- 
pelled to pay larger sums, as duties to the Spaniards, 
than they could afford. 

What did they call the Mississippi? 
The highway to the sea given to them by God, which 
they were resolved to have and to keep free. 

What did they threaten to do ? 

They threatened to invade Louisiana and seize New 
Orleans. 

How did Miro meet these threats ? 

He wrote to the Spanish Government, urging upon 
it to strengthen the defences of Louisiana. At the same 
time, he reduced the duties of Western produce as much 
as he could. 



THE SPANISH DO^IINATION. 67 

How was the reduction received by the Western people ? 
It satisfied them for a time, but for a time only. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

MIRO'S ABMINISTEATION (CONimUED). 1787-1792. 

What da7igerous scheme was for?>ied in 17S7 ? 

One to break up the new American Union, by in- 
ducing the people of the territory of Kentucky to secede 
from it, and to put themselves under the protection of 
Spain. 

Who was the leader of this 7novement on the American side ? 
General James Wilkinson, who had been a brave 
officer in the Eevolution. 

Who conducted it on the Spafiish side ? 
Governor Miro himself. 

What was the basis of this scheme? 

Kentucky, which had been a portion of the territory 
of the State of Virginia, had petitioned Congress to 
allow it to become an independent State. That body 
had delayed doing so. 

Why did Congress not grant the petition at once? 

Because, at this time, the United States were prepar- 
ing a new Constitution ; and it was justly thought that 
the Constitution should be in operation before new 
States were admitted under it. 

What effect did this delay have upon some KentuckiaJts? 
A party declared that Congress meant to deceive them, 
and clamored for separation from the United States. 

Was thai all that General Wilkinson wanted ? 

No ; for he had promised Miro that Kentucky would 



68 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

first become an independent Eepnblic, and that, after- 
wards, he would so manage that she should place herself 
under Spanish protection. 

What would have been the result of this ? 

That the Kentuckians would have ceased to be 
American citizens, and would have become Spanish 
subjects. 

Itt what manner did he go to work to carry out this wicked 
design ? 

Very cautiously. He knew that a large majority of 
the people of Kentucky were faithful to the Union. So 
he intrigued secretly among the more prominent men, 
and got some of them to promise him their support. 

Was Wilkinson doing this as a patriot ? 
Far from it. He was acting for his own selfish ad- 
vantage. 

General Wilkinson is said, during this whole time, to have 
been receiving a regular salary from the King of Spain, No patri- 
otic American should accept the money of another Government, 
as a reward for attempting to destroy his own. 

How did Mir b help the scheine? 

By offering liberal advantages — land free, no taxes to 
pay, etc., to all who would emigrate and settle in Loui- 
siana. 

Did a7iy Americans avail themselves of these privileges ? 
Yes, several hundred families — a number of whom 
settled in the Feliciana district. 

What caused the Kentucky plot to be at last abandoned ? 
The admission of Kentucky into the Union as a State. 

How did this cause its supporters to cease their intrigues ? 

Because Kentucky — once admitted as a State- of the 
American Union — had gained all the rights and privi- 
leges which she had asked for. 



THE SPANISH DOMINATION. 69 

How long had this conspiracy been carried on ? 
Four years, from 1787 to 1791. 

What ei7iigra7tts arrived in 1791 ? 

Eefngees from the French island of St. Domingo 
(West Indies) who had been driven away by a revolution. 

Who came ainojig these refugees ? 

A company of actors, who opened the first regular 
theatre that had ever been seen in New Orleans. 

When did Governor Mirb leave Louisiana ? 
At the close of 1791. 

In what condition was the colo?iy ? 
Entirely reconciled to the Spanish rule. 

To what was this largely owing? 

To the wise and kindly policy of most of the Spanish 
governors. 

Can you tell 7ne something peculiar connected with them ? 

Several of them — such as Governors Unzaga, Galvez, 
and Miro, had married Creole ladies. It appears strange 
to say that none of the French governors had ever done 
so ; but such was the case. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 
CAEONDELET'S ADimiSTKATIOK 1792-1797. 

Who succeeded Governor Mirb ? 
The Baron de Carondelet. 

What was Carondelet at the time of his appointment? 
Governor of San Salvador in Guatemala. 

Where is Guatemala? [See Map of Central America.] 



70 HISTORY OF LOUlSIAlStA. 

What event produced, at this tz?Jte, excitement in New Or- 
leans ? 

The French Revolution. The French King Lonis 
XVI had been executed, and France was now a Republic. 

Why did this eveiit excite the minds of the colo7tists f 
Because the colony, having been originally founded 
by the French, had never forgotten their love for France. 

What bold step was taken by some of the people ? 

One hundred and fifty of the citizens openly j^eti- 
tioned the French Republic to take Louisiana under its 
protection again. 

Did France attend to this petition ? 

Not directly, but she sent agents about the "Western 
States to try to organize an expedition to seize the col- 
ony from Spain. 

Who was the principal instigator of this moveme7tt ? 
Genet, the French Minister to the United States. 

What prevotted this move7ne7it from bei7ig successful ? 

The determined action of General Washington, who 
was then President of the United States, and who de- 
clared that he would put down any attemjot to attack a 
friendly nation like Spain. 

What measures did Governor Carondelet take to repel the 
da7iger ? 

He built new fortifications around New Orleans. 

For what i77iportant agricultural eve7it is the year 1794 
noted? 

The first sugar was made in Louisiana in that year. 

Why was this eve7it i7nportant ? 

The cultivation of the sugar-cane has contributed 
more to the prosperity of the State than that of any 
other of her products, 



THE SPANISH DOMINATION. 71- 

Was this the first time that the sugar-cane had been culti- 
vated? 

No ; it was first introduced in 1751 ; bntnp to 1794, 
no planter had been able to make the syrup granulate, 
and so convert it into sugar. 

To whom is the honor of this triumph due? 
To Etienne de Bore. 

Who 2vas this Etie7ine de Bori ? 

A planter, living about six miles above New Orleans. 

For how 7nuch did de Bori dispose of his first crop ? 
He sold it to the Americans for $12,000. 

In what manner was the right of free navigation of the 
Mississippi at last secured? 

By a Treaty between the United States and Spain, 

When was it signed? 
October 20, 1795. 

What did this Treaty stipidate ? 

That the whole width of the river, from its source to 
the sea, should be free to the people of the United 
States. 

What else was stipulated ? 

That the Americans should have the right for three 
years, to use the port of New Orleans as a place of de- 
posit for their produce ; and tliat, after that, if Spain 
did not choose to let them continue there any longer, 
she should assign them some other spot. 

Was Spain v^ry willing to enter into this Treaty ? 
No. 

Why, then, did she at last agree to it ? 
Because she was afraid that, if she did not do so. she 
would expose herself to lose the whole province. 



72 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

Spain, in this, preferred to give up a part rather than to lose 
a whole. 

What was made by the Treaty the Southern boimdary of 
the United States ? 

The Natchez district, at a point 36 miles below 
Natchez. 

What became of the Natchez district under this ? 
It was transferred to the United States. 

What was made the Western boimdary f 

The Mississippi River. Spain retained all South of 
the Natchez line on the East bank, and all the vast ter- 
ritory lying West of the river as far as the Pacific Ocean. 

How much territory on the East baiik did this give the 
Americans f 

More than 1,800 miles, from the 31st degree of lati- 
tude (opposite the mouth of Red River) to the 42d. 

When did Gover7tor Carondelef s adjninistratioti close f 
August, 1797. 

To what praise is he entitled? 

To that of having done more than any of his pre- 
decessors to improve and beautify the City of New 
Orleans. 

Baron Carondelet deserves the credit of having been the 
most active of the Spanish Governors in improving New Orleans. 

In 1792, he divided the city into four wards. It was during 
his administration, and at his recommendation, that the city was 
first lighted with oil lamps. To defray the expenses of these 
lamps and the oil, a special tax was levied upon the chimneys. 
The number of the chimneys once known, it was easy to deter- 
mine the amount of the tax. 

Just think how big a tax would that be of $1, levied upon 
each chimney in New Orleans in the year 1877 ! 

The fortifications built by Governor Carondelet, although of 



TEE SPANISH DOMINATION. Td 

inferior strength, and not at all capable of sustaining any long 
siege, were considered as being something very strong by the 
people. One fort was erected where the United States Mint now 
stands. Anotlier stood at the foot of Canal Street. A strong re- 
doubt was built on Rampart Street. Others were built at each 
of the angles of the old City of New Orleans. Of course all signs 
of these have long since disappeared. 



CHAPTER XXIY. 
GAYOSO'S ADimiSTRATIOK 1797-1799. 

Who succeeded Carofidelei f 

Brigadier General Gayoso de Lemos, generally known 
as Gayoso. 

What had Gayoso been before ? 

Spanish Commandant of the Natchez district. 

What distinguished strangers reached New Orleans at this 
time ? 

The Duke of Orleans (afterwards Louis Philippe, 
king of the French) and his two brothers. 

Why had they come to New Orleans ? 
Exiled from France, they came partly for pleasure, 
and partly to claim the hospitality of the people. 

How were they received ? 

Costly entertainments were given to them by the 
principal inhabitants. They spent several weeks in the 
city and vicinity. 

What was the principal event of Gayoso' s administration ? 
The Americans, after many delays, were finally put 
into possession of the Natchez and Yazoo Districts. 
4 



74 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

What occurred iJi July 1 8, 1 799 ? 

The death of Governor Gayoso, aged 48 years, from 
a malignant fever. 



CIIAPTEK XXY. 
CASA CALVO'S ADimiSTRATIOK 1799-1801. 

Who was Gayosos successor ? 

The Marqnis of Casa Calvo, sent over from Havana 
by the Captain-General of Cuba. 

What was the populatioji of the old colony at that tinie ? 
About 70,000, including that of the Natchez district, 
which had just been transferred to the United States. 

To what had this increase been owing ? 
To the liberal offers that had been made by Spain to 
all immigrants. 

State the improveinent that had taken place in the culti- 
vation of sugar since 1795. 

While there had been, in that year, only one planta- 
tion yielding sugar, there were, in 1800, more than sixty, 
producing annually more than 4,000,000 lbs. of sugar. 

What power was, at this time, tryi7ig to obtain Louisiana ? 
France. 

Who then ruled France ? 

The celebrated Napoleon Bonaparte, as First Consul. 

What had led to the negotiations with Spain ? 

Napoleon had clearly seen tluit Louisiana, being once 
more in the hands of the French, would make France a 
formidable power in the New World. 



TME SPANISH DOMINATION. 75 

What made Spain the more willing to cede Louisiana to 
France ? 

Her fears of the growing power of the United States. 
She believed that if Louisiana were in the hands of the 
French, she would be a rampart against any invasion of 
Mexico by the Americans. 

When was Louisiatta ceded by Spain ? 

October 1, 1800— by the Treaty of St. Ildefonso. 

What did she bind herself to do ? 

To deliver to the French Republic, within six months, 
the colony of Louisiana as it then stood. 

Did Prance receive all the territory which she had before ceded 
to Spain ? If not, why ? 

What was there pecidiar about this Treaty f 

It was for a time kept secret from the world. 

Why? 

France was then at war with England ; and she feared 
that, if England heard of the cession, that country would 
at once attack Louisiana. 

What may be said of Casa Calvo's administration f 
It was uneventful. 

When did it close ? 
June 15, 1801. 



CHAPTER XXYI. 

SALCEDO'S ADimiSTRATIOL 1801--1803. 

Who succeeded Casa Calvo ? 
General Juan Manuel de Salcedo. 

What was 07ie of the acts done under his administration ? 
The right of Americans to deposit their produce at 



76 SISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

New Orleans was suspended ; and they were forbidden 
to trade in any part of the colony. 

W/io was resp07isible for this high-haiidcd ineasure? 
Morales, who was Intendant of the colony. 

What effect did it produce in the West? 
Universal indignation. 

What did the Weste?'n States declare ? 

*'The Mississippi is ours by tlie law of naiure. It is 
our streams and rivers that swell it and malce it so 
mighty, and tve are resolved that no poiver in this luorld 
shall deprive us of this right, ^^ 

To whom did they appeal for redress ? 
To the President of the United States. 

Who was then Presidejit of the United States ? 
Thomas Jefferson. 

"Who can tell for what great State Paper Thomas Jefferson is 
famous ? 

What did they threateti, in case that the United States did 
not help them ? 

"No Peotection" — No Allegiance!" 

What did the President do? 

He addressed the Spanish Government on the sub- 
ject ; demanding compliance with the Treaty. 

Whom did he, at this time, send as U. S. Miiiister to France? 
Robert R. Livingston. 

What iftstructions did Mr. Livingston receive ? 

He was to find out if Spain had really made the ces- 
sion to France ; and above all, whether West Florida 
had been included in the Treaty. 

What did President Jefferson hope to do, if it had not ? 
To buy Florida from Spain, as he dreaded so power- 
ful a neighbor so near to (xeorgia and South Carolina. 



THE SPANISH DOMINATION. 77 

When did Livingston reach France ? 
In December, 1801. 

Did he succeed in gaining much information about Florida ? 

No, the French Minister was a very shrewd and wily 

politician who thought a great deal and said very little. 

Can you tell me his name ? 
Prince Talleyrand. 

How did Talleyrand manage to baffle Livingston ? 

He would put him off, month after month, by de- 
claring that it was true that the cession had been talked 
of ; but that nothing had been settled ; and that he 
could not, therefore, really say whether Florida was 
included in it, or not. 

How far was all this true ? 

Only so far that France, fearing what England might 
do in the event of another war, had not yet taken open 
possession of Louisiana. 

How long was it before Talleyrand informed Livingston 
that Spain had not ceded Florida ? 
More than a year. 

Who can tell what the western limits of Spanish Florida were ? 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



SALCEDO'S ADMINISTRATION (CONTINUED). THE PUR- 
CHASE OF LOUISIANA BY THE UNITED STATES. 1803. 

What news reached France at the beginni^ig of 1 803 ? 
That the American Congress were about to raise 
50,000 men to invade Louisiana. 



78 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

Whom did the President send, at this time, as Envoy 
Extraordinary to France? 
James Monroe. 

"What did James Monroe become afterwards ? 

Why did President Jefferson make this appointment f 
To sliow the French Government that the United 

States, by sending so distinguished a man as Mr. 

Monroe, were in earnest. 

What was Mr. Monroe instructed to do ? 

To offer, on the part of the United States, to buy- 
Florida (from Spain) and the District of New Orleans 
(from France). 

Why did the United States specially desire New Orleans and 
not the rest of Louisiana-? 

They wished to secure for the Western peojjle a sure 
place of deposit for their produce, of which they could 
never be deprived. 

What astonishing news did Monroe, on reaching Paris, 
receive from Mr. Livingston? 

That Napoleon was willing to sell not only New 
Orleans, but the iDliole colony of Louisiana. 

What had led Napoleon to this change of opinioji ? 
The fact that war was about to break out again be- 
tween France and England. 

In what way would this have been likely to affect Louisiana ? 

England was threatening, in the event of war, to 
capture New Orleans, and hand the city over afterwards 
to the Americans. 

What would have made it easy for Eiigland to execute this 
threat ? 

She had in the West Indies a powerful fleet, with 



THE SPANISH DOMINATION. 79 

which she could have reached Louisiana long before the 
French expedition could have started from France. 

Did Mr. Monroe have any instri{ctions to buy the whole of 
Louisiana ? 

No ; but both himself and Mr. Livingston considered 
the offer as too important to allow them to hesitate to 
close with it. 

What was the sum at first wanted by Napoleo7i? 

Twenty million dollars, including the payment, by 
the United States, of the debt due by France to certain 
American citizens. 

To how much did this French debt amount f 
About $4,000,000. 

How was this considered by Monroe and Livingston f 

As being too large a sum for the United States to pay. 

What siwt was finally agreed upon? 

Fifteen million dollars, including the debt. 

When was the Treaty of Purchase signed f 
At Paris, April 30, 1803. 

What did Napoleon say on this occasio7t ? 

^^Let the Louisianians knoiv that lue separate ourselves 
from them with regret ; that tve stipulate in their favor 
everything that they can desire ; and let them retain for 
us se?itiments of affectio7i." 

Was Florida ificluded in this sale ? 

That was a disputed question at this time. 

How was it a disputed question ? 

The United States declared that Florida (West) had 
been sold with Louisiana. Spain was positive that it 
had not. 



80 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

What did France say about it ? 

Trance let Prince Talleyrand speak for her ; and Tal- 
leyrand said that he did not know. 

Hoiv did the United States decide the question afterwards ? 
They declared, point-blank, that West Florida ivas 
sold, along with Louisiana. 

What seems to be the true state of the case ? 
That the United States came nearer the truth than 
the others. 



CHAPTEE XXVIII. 



SALCEDO'S ADMINISTRATIOiX (COiXTlNUED). LOUISIAM 
TRANSFERRED TO THE UNITED STATES. 1803. 

How was the purchase of Louisiana considered ? 

As being, next to the Independence of the United 
States, the most important measure that had been under- 
taken by the American Government. 

What power protested against the sale of Louisiana f 
Spain. 

What was the ground of this protest ? 

Spain declared that France, when she had received 
the province, had solemnly promised never to sell or give 
it away. 

What did Spai?t kijidly suggest that the United States 
should do ? 

That they should give Louisiana back to France. 

How did the A)nericans receive this suggestion ? 
With ridicule. They declared that no such promise 
had been put into the Treaty between Spain and France ; 



THE SPANISH DOMINATION. 81 

that the United States had bought Louisiana in good 
faith ; and that they meant to keep it. 

How long was it before France really took possession of the 
colony ? 

Not until November 30, 1803. 

Spain and France seemed to have been playing a very selfish 
part in this matter. They consuUed their own interest. As to the 
Louisianians they never once thought of them. 

Of course, France was bound to take formal possession of Lou- 
isiana before she could sell it to the Americans. You must own 
a thing before you can dispose of it to another. This is why 
France, on the 30th of November, 1803, received the colony from 
the Spanish Commissioners. 

Had she done so before, England, that was waiting only to find 
a weak spot in her enemy, would have swooped upon New Or- 
leans. But France was safe in receiving Louisiana openly from 
Spain, three years after it was hers by right of treaty, because 
England knew — as all the world knew — that the United States 
had bought Louisiana, and that not many days would pass before 
the Stars and the Stripes would be waving in the place of the 
French Tri-color. 

England had no longer an excuse to attack New Orleans. 
France had received her $15,000,000 in cash. The United States 
had acquired the vast extent of territory then known as Louisiana. 
Both had reason to be equally well satisfied. 

Only England grumbled a little, because France had not taken 
possession soon enough to enable her to profit by it. Spain grum- 
bled a great deal, because France had not chosen to keep her gift. 

But Spain was wrong in this. Louisiana was a gift never in- 
tended for Kings to keep. 

Who was the French Commissioner to receive the colony f 
Laussat. 

Who were the Spanish Commissioners to cede the colony ? 
The Marquis of Casa Calvo, and Governor Salcedo. 

What did Laussat say on taking possession ? 

That it would not be long before Louisiana would be 

ceded to the United States. 
4* 



S2 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

When did this cession to the A?nericans take place? 
December 20, 1803. 

Who were the American CoJJimissioners ? 
General James Wilkinson, and W. 0. 0. Claiborne, 
who had been Governor of the Territory of Mississippi. 

Who was G-eneral Wilkinson ? 

Under what conditions was Louisiana received i7ito the 
Union f 

As a territory at first, with the understanding that 
the inhabitants would be admitted, as soon as possible, 
to all the rights and privileges of American citizens. 

What have you to notice about the repeated transfers of 
Louisiana ? 

That Erance had given the people away to Spain ; 
Spain to France again ; and France to the United States, 
without once asking them whether it would please them 
to be transferred, or not. 



CHAPTEE XXIX. 
A SHORT REVIEW OF THE DOMIMTIOXS. 

How long did the first French domination last? 
About one hundred and sixty-eight years. 

How long did the Spanish domi?tation last ? 
Thirty-four years and a few months. 

From what year to what year ? 

How long did the second French domination really last \ 
Only twenty days. 

How long has the American domination lasted ? 



THE SPANISH DOMINATION. 83 

What might be said generally of the Spanish domination ? 
That it had made itself very popular in Louisiana. 

What was the solitary stain tipoii it f 
The execution of the French conspirators by General 
O'Reilly. 

What had been the population of New Orleafts when the 
Spaniards came ? 

Three thousand one hundred and ninety. 

What was it when the Americans took possession f 
About ten thousand. 

"Wlat is it now ? 



AMERICAN DOMINATION. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

THE TEERITORIAL GOVERMENT. GOV. CLAIBORNE'S 
ADimiSTRATIOxY. 1803-1807. 

How did the people of New Orleans look upon the cession to 
the United States ? 

The Louisianians were, for many years, opposed 
to it. 

Of what did they complain ? 

That, by the Treaty with France, Louisiana should 
have been admitted at once as a State into the Union. 

Why was not this complaint jnst? 

Because what the Treaty had really stipulated was, 
not that Louisiana should be admitted at once, but that 
it should be admitted as soon as possible under the laws 
of the country. 

What had Congress done in the beginning ? 

It had divided the new province into two parts — the 
*^ Territory of Orleans," and, outside of that, the 
District of Louisiana. 

What did the Territory of Orleans include? 
The city and district of New Orleans, and the greater 
part of what is now known as the State of Louisiana. 

What answer did Congress give the people of New Orleans ? 
That the new Territory of Orleans should remain a 



AMERICAN DOMINATION. 85 

territory, like all other territories of the United States, 
until it had a population of 60,000 when it would be re- 
ceived as a State. 

Did this decision please the Creoles f 
Not at first. Many continued, for some years, to 
believe themselves unjustly treated. 

Who were most active i7t i7iciti7ig the7n ? 
The Marquis de Casa Calvo and the ex-Intendant 
Morales. 

Do you remember anything of this Ex-Intendant Morales? 

"Was he a friend of the Americans ? 

Why had those Spanish officials re7>iai7ied i7i the colo7ty? 
Under the pretext of settling the affairs of Spain. 

What foolish idea did they 77iake a good 77ia7ty silly people 
believe ? 

That it would not be long before Spain would have 
Louisiana back aafain. 

How did Gover7ior ClaiborTte i7ieet these reports? 

With these noble words in a letter written to Casa 
Calvo :^ ''The poiver does not exist which can shake the 
authority of my country over this territory:' 

What ca77te to 77take 77ia tiers worse about 1805 ? 
The prospect of a war between the United States and 
Spain. 

What hadgive7i rise to this ? 

Spain claimed for herself more of the territory sold 
by France to tlie United States than she had a right to 
claim. 

By what 7iai7ie was the portio7t clai77ied by Shai7t kftown ? 
West Florida. 



86 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

What did the United States say in regard to this claim ? 
That West Florida was, by right, a part of what they 
had bought from France. 

During these disputes, under what Governfneni did West 
Florida re7nainf 
That of Spain. 

Where did Spain still have troops f 
At Baton Rouge and Mobile. 

What had made Governor Claiborne anxious ? 

He had a very small force of U. S. troops ; and he 
feared that, in case of an attack by Spain upon New 
Orleans, the Spanish citizens would not assist him. 

What precaution did he take in 1806? 
He ordered Casa Calvo and Morales to leave the 
territory. 

Did they obey him f 

Yes ; but not before grumbling very loudly against 
the order. 

Why was this action of the Governor proper f 
Because those men, in the case of a war with Spain, 
would have been dangerous to his Government. 

In what year was the ^th of July celebrated for the first 
time in New Orleatts f 
In 1806. 

Can you state the population of the Territory in that year f 
Fifty-two thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight 
persons, white and black. 



AMERICAN DOMINATION. 87 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

THE TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT. THE CONSPIRACY OF 
AARON BURR. 1806-1807. 

W/mt new da7tger came to disturb Governor Claiborne at 
this time f 

The famous conspiracy of Aaron Burr. 

What had Aaron Burr been ? 

He had heen a Vice-President of the United States. 

What was the character of this conspiracy ? 

Burr had resolved to separate the Western States from 
the Union and to establish a new Government West of 
the Alleghany Mountains. 

Where had Burr found most active supporters ? 
In Kentucky and Tennessee. 

In what way did the Burr conspiracy trouble Governor 
Claiborne ? 

It was understood that Burr would attack New Or- 
leans with a large army, and compel the people to join 
his proposed Government whether they wanted to do so 
or not. 

What European power was said to be secretly assisting 
Burr ? 
Spain. 

Do you know anything whioli would make it probable that this 
was true ? 

How was the danger finally avoided? 

Burr was arrested in JanuarVj 1807, in Mississippi, 
before he could organize his army. He was afterwards 
taken to Richmond, Virginia, for trial. 



88 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

What ca7i you say of Aaron Burr ? 
He was a man of great talent, but a bad patriot, and 
a most dangerous citizen for a Eepublic of freemen. 



CHAPTER XXXIL 
THE TERRHORIAL GOVERNMENT. 1807. 

What event ocnirred to relieve Claiborne' s anxieties f 
The arrival of a large number of U. S. troops, in 
1809. 

Who was their commander ? 
General Wilkinson. 

What sad circumstance is recorded of these troops ? 

Out of nineteen hundred and fifty- three who reached 
New Orleans in xipril, seven hundred and ninety-five 
died before September, of a terrible epidemic. 

To what was this mortality said to be largely owing f 

To the quartering, by General Wilkinson, of these 

troops on the unhealthy lands of Terre aux Boeufs, 

about eight miles below the city. 

What effect did this disaster have ? 
It raised so great an excitement against Wilkinson, 
that he was removed from his command by the President. 

Who was ordered to succeed him ? 
General Wade Hampton. 

General Wade Hampton was the father of Genera] Wade 
Hampton, now Governor of South Carolina. Brave deeds and 
honorable lives belong to both father and son. 



AMERICAN DOMINATION. 89 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

THE TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT. THE BAYOU SARANS 
REVOLT AGAINST SPAIN. 1810. 

W/iat occurred in the year 1810? 

A revolt of the inhabitants of the town of Bayou 
Sara against the Spaniards. 

In what province was Bayou Sara ? 
In that of West Florida, claimed by the United 
States, but still occupied by Spain. 

What fort did the Bayou Sarans attack and capture f 
The Spanish fort at Baton Ronge. 

What had encouraged them to inake this movement ? 
Spain was, at that time, at war with Napoleon, and 
could not attend to little interests in Louisiana^ 

What next did the insurrectionists do ? 

They declared West Florida independent of Spain. 

What did they do after that ? 

They asked to be annexed to the United States, 
under the name of the " State of West Florida.^'' 

What answer did Presidejit Madison i7iake ? 

He told them quietly, that the District of Florida 
already belonged, by the Treaty of 1803, to the United 
States. 

Of what Territory did he say that it formed a part f 
Of the Territory of Orleans. 

Whom did the President direct to take possession of the 
District ? 

Governor Claiborne. 

What did Claiborne do ? 

He marched at the head of militia to St. Francisville, 



90 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

and, on December 7th, 1810, took possession in the 
name of the United States. 

How did the people receive kimf 

They forgot all about their claims to being a State, 
and cheerfully submitted to his authority. 

What Parishes were 7nade out of the new District ? 
Feliciana, East Baton Eouge, St. Helena, St. Tam- 
many, Biloxi and Pascagoula. 

What are the Parishes of Feliciana, East Baton Rouge, 
St. Helena, and St. Tammany sometimes called? 
The Florida Parishes. 

In what State are Biloxi and Pascagonla now ? 



CHAPTEE XXXIY. 
LOUISIANA BECOMES A STATE. 1812. 

What important event occurred in November, 1 8 1 1 ? 
The meeting of the Constitutional Convention. 

For what purpose did the Convejttion meet ? 
To frame a Constitution, under which the Territory 
of Orleans was to be admitted into the Union as a State. 

Why was the Territory ready for ad?nission ? 
Because its population was over 60,000 — the number 
prescribed by Congress for the admission of a State. 

When was it admitted as a State? 
April 30, 1812. 

Who can tell of what important event was the 30th of April 
the ninth anniversary ? 

What name was given to the new State? 
Louisiana. 



AMERICAN DOMINATION. 91 

Who was elected the fii'st Governor of the State? 
Governor Claiborne. 

What did this choice show ? 

The great confidence of the people in Governor Clai- 
borne's ca]3acity and honesty. 

How long had Claiborne been Territorial G-overnor ? 

As Territorial Governor, W. C. C. Claiborne had been 
appointed by the President of the United States. The Territories 
are the children of the Union ; and the Territorial Governors are 
the guardians selected to watch over those children. As soon, 
however, as a Territory becomes a State, she then becomes the 
equal of all the other States. Her people then elect their Governor. 



CHAPTEE XXXY. 

WAR WITH ENGLAND. 1812-1814. 

What occurred in 1 8 1 2 ? 

War was declared between the United States and 
England — generally called the War of 1812. 

How did this war affect Louisiana ? 
It was known, from the beginning, that England in- 
tended to attack New Orleans. 

Of what did Governor Claiborne co?nplain ? 
That the Government had withdrawn the United 
States troops from !N"ew Orleans, and left it defenceless. 

Why had the Government done so f 

Because no immediate danger was anticipated for 
Louisiana. 

What did Claiborne do ? 

He appealed to the Government to send other troops. 



92 HISTORY Oi LOUISIANA. 

Was the request attended to ? 

Not immediately. All the battes of the war were 
then being fought in the Atlantic States and on the 
Great Lakes. Of course, all the Government forces 
were needed there. 

What 7i.ew eve7it ?nade Claibor7ie more anxious ? 

The rumor that a part of the British army, intending- 
to attack New Orleans, was actually gathering at Pensa- 
cola, Florida. 

When was this f 

In the spring of 1814. 

What was it said that this army, if successful, would do ? 
That it would restore Louisiana to Spain, England's 
firm and faithful ally. 

What did Col. Nicholls, the British commatider, do to te7npt 
the J^ouisiajiians ? 

He addressed a proclamation urging them to rebel 
against the United States. 

Did this proclamation produce any effect ? 
It excited only ridicule and contempt. 

Did Claiborne report this actio7i of Col. Nicholls to the Gov- 
ern7nent ? 

At once ; and it forced the Government to take de- 
cisive measures. 

What good news soon ca77te to restore public confidence? 
That volunteers would be sent from Tennessee and 
Kentucky as soon as possible. 

Who was to C077i77ta7id this ar7ny? 

General Andrew Jackson, the most famous officer in 
the American army. 

Where was General Jackso7t at this time f 

Near Mobile, watching the movements of the British. 



A3IERICAN BO^riNATION. 93 

When did he reach New Orlecms f 
December 1, 1814. 

What did he say to cheer the people ? 

That, with the army coming down from the West, 
and the assistance of the brave Louisianians, he would 
drive the EngHsh from their shores. 



CHAPTEE XXXVI. 
THE SMUGGLERS OF BARATARIA. 

During these years, what men were givi7ig Governor Clai- 
borne 7nicch trouble ? 

A band of smugglers, composed of desperate men of 
all nations. 

Where did these smugglers have their headquarters ? 
On the Island of G-rande Terre, in Barataria Bay. 

By what 7iame were they generally known f 
The Smugglers of Barataria. 

What other name was given to them? 
The " Pirates of Barataria." 

What gave rise to this name? 

It was said that they carried the black flag, and 
attacked vessels of all nations. 

What was their answer to this charge? 
They admitted that they were smugglers, but denied 
that they were pirates. 

What reason did they give for this? 
They said that they were privateers, cruising with 
the permission of France, and carrying the flag of the 



94 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

Republic of Cartbagena, a province in New Grenada, 
Soutb America, wbicb bad rebelled against Spain ? 

What did they say about attacking vessels of all nati07is ? 

Tbey denied it, and declared tbat tbey attacked only 
tbe vessels of Spain, wbicb was tben at war botb witb 
France and Cartbagena. 

How many, it was said, belonged to this band? 
Between two and tbree bundred resolute men. 

Who were their leaders ? 
Jobn and Pierre Lafitte. 

Who were they ? 

Two brotbers, Frencbmen by birtb. 

Why did Governor Claiborne wish to capture thon ? 
Because tbey were engaged in a large smuggling 
trade, wbicb was against tbe laws of tbe United States. 

Why did not the various expeditions sent against them, at 
first succeed? 

Tbe people, wbo could buy goods from tbem mucb 
more cbeaply tban anywbere else, sympatbized witb 
tbem, and always warned tbem wben any expedition 
started. 

Did the people believe that the Baratariajts were pirates ? 

No ; tbey tbougbt tbat tbey were notbing more tban 
smugglers, and, of course, many of tbem did not see 
mucb barm in tbat. 

The Spanish officials never really believed that there was 
anything wrong in smuggling. Smuggling, therefore, was not 
looked upon as a serious offence by the people of New Orleans, 
and nothing that Governor Claiborne could do could make them 
think very harshly of the Baratarians. 

Was their stronghold at last captured? 
Yes, in September, 1814. 



AMERICAN DOMINATION. 95 

What made this seem at the tz'me a little harsh ? 

John Lafitte, before he knew anything of the expedi- 
tion, had offered his services and those of his brother 
and band to Governor Claiborne, to help the Americans 
against the English. 

Do you know of anything which re?tders this offer more 
noble ? 

Lafitte had previously received proposals from Col. 
Nicholls, at Pensacola, to join the British service. 

What temptation had Col. Nicholls thrown out to him ? 
The rank of Captain in the British army, and the 
sum of 130,000. 

What was Lafitte' s reply? 

He asked time to consider the matter ; and at once 
wrote to Governor Claiborne. 

How did Claiborne receive his offer ? 

Under the advice of a military council, he declined it. 

Who finally accepted the services of Lafitte and his bana ? 
General Jackson himself, who never hesitated to do 
what he thought was right. 

How did the Lafittes return this confidence ? 
Tliey and their men fought so gallantly as to receive 
General Jackson's thanks in a ^^ General Order." 

What do you think of the Baratarians ? 
Were they pirates ? Or were they smugglers ? 
After answering this question, what else were they? 



96 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA, 

CHAPTER XXXYII. 
THE BATTLE OF LAKE BORGI^E. 1814. 

What did GeJieral Jacksoit do on his arrival? 
He visited all the forts, and gave orders to strengthen 
them. He also established others. 

What orders did he give about Bayou Manchac and other 
Bayous leading from the Gulf of Mexico and the lakes f 

That they should all be obstructed to prevent the 
English from passing into the interior. 

What effect did this order have so far as Bayou Manchac 
was concerned ? 

Bayou Manchac, which was formerly much used as 
an outlet for vessels from the Mississippi to the Lakes, 
has remained closed ever since. 

Passengers along tlie Jackson Railroad must have frequently 
noticed the dead look of this Bayou, from the bridge that spans it. 
Its lazy waves tell eloquently the story of the patriotic energy 
that, in days past, made the waters of commerce cease to flow. 

How is the first battle fought between the Americans and 
the English, De<:e7nber 12, known? 
As the battle of Lake Borgne. 

What was the strength of the Ainerican fleet ? 

Five gun-boats, with twenty- three guns and one hun- 
dred and eighty-two men under Commander Thomas A. 
0. Jones. 

Was the British force larger ? 

It was much larger, consisting of forty-five launches 
and barges, armed with forty-three guns, and manned by 
twelve hundred men — the whole under the command of 
Captain Lockyer. 



AMERICAN DOMINATION. 97 

Where did the fleets meet? 
Near the Eigolets. 

"Where is tlie Pass of the Eigolets ? 

Who were the victors ? 

Tlie British force was so much stronger than the 
American, that all the gun-boats, after hard fighting, 
fell iato the enemy's hands. 

Give a Proof of how bravely the Americans had fought? 
While their loss was forty-five killed and wounded, 
that of the British was not less than three hundred. 

What was the result of this engageme?it ? 

It left the coast of Louisiana entirely defenceless. 

Where was the British fleet stationed at this time ? 
Off Ship Island. 

All who have traveled through Lake Borgiie must have 
noticed the white sands of Ship Island glistening in the sun. 

Ship Island is one of four low islands that, stretching ten or 
twelve miles along the Grulf coast, form the Mississippi Sound. It 
is, by no means, a large island. It is only seven miles long, and 
three-quarters of a mile wide. It belongs to the State of Missis- 
sippi, but is really ten miles from the nearest point of that State. 

Ship Island is an imposing landmark in the history of Loui- 
siana, as Colony, Territory and State. 

In 1699, Iberville discovered it. In 1814, the British Fleet 
thought it a good place for their rendezvous. In 1815, it was to its 
white sands and its quiet harbor, that they retreated as to a place 
of refuge after the awful disaster on the Plains of Chalmette. In 
another war, it became a safe and convenient place for organiza- 
tion. 

What precautions did Gejieral fackson take to defend the 
rear of the city ? 

He ordered the dragoons of Feliciana and the bat- 
talion of colored men, under Major Lacoste, to that 
point. 

5 



98 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

Was there any other colored battalioji in the service ? 

One other, which General Jackson, who had been so 
much pleased with the former battalion, had, after his 
arrival, organized through the assistance of Savary, a 
colored man. 

What were the majority of the members ? 
Refugees from the island of St. Domingo. 

Who took command of this second battalion ? 
Major Daquin. 



CHAPTER XXXYIII. 



THE ARRIVAL OF THE TEMESSEA:NS. THE CAMPAIGN OF 

1814-1815. 

What welcome arrival took place 07i December \()th? 
That of General Carroll with 2,500 Tennesseans. 

What additional reitiforceinefit arrived the Jiext day ? 
One thousand two hundred riflemen from the same 
State, under General Coffee. 

What was the principal body of Louisiana militia ? 

The Plauche Battalion of uniform companies, so 
called after its commander. Major Plauche, composed 
of young men of the highest Creole families. 

The Creoles have, throughout the history of their State, 
exhibited military qualities of a high order. Bienville gratefully 
recognized these in his ill-starred expedition against the Chicka- 
saws. Vaudreuil declared them to be the fittest men to fight with 
those boldest of Indian warriors. Galvez, no bad judge, was 
enthusiastic in their praise. The keen eye of Jackson saw their 
valor at Chalmette. And, in the chaparrals of Mexico, and on 
hotly contested fields nearer home, the Creole never lagged in the 
advance or fell back in the charge. 



AMERICAN DOMINATION. 99 

What was at this ti7ne the strength of the AmericaJt army ? 

Between five and six thousand men, including United 
States regulars, Louisiana volunteers and militia, and 
the Tennesseans. 

How strong was the British expedition against Louisiana ? 
It amounted to 14,450 men in three divisions. 

Who was the Com7nander-ift-chief ? 
General Sir Edward Packenham. 

Who comina7ided the several divisions ? 
General Gibbs, the first ; General Lambert, the sec- 
ond, and General Keane, the third. 

Who cojnjnanded the British fleet ? 

Admirals Cochrane, Oodrington and Malcolm. 

Can you tell when the British forces first began collecting 
near Ship Isla7id? 

December 17th, 1814. 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 
THE BKITISH ARMY COME UP BAYOU BIENVENU. 1814. 

When was the first engagejjtent by land fought f 
December 23, 1814. 

Where did it take place ? 

On the Mississippi Kiver, a few miles below the city, 
near Villere's canal. 

How had the British succeeded in reaching that poijit ? 

They had, through the treachery of some Spanish 
fishermen, come through Bayou Bienvenu, from the 
Lake. 

There is no reason to judge too liarslily the conduct of the 
Spanisb fishermen, of whom there were thirty or forty living aw 



100 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

the left bank of tlie Bayou Bienvenu, almost a mile and a half 
from its mouth on Lake Borgne. They were Spaniards. Spain 
was angry with the Americans, and half disposed to go to war 
with them about Florida. If the Spanish fishermen were traitors 
to Louisiana, they thought, at least, that they were true to their 
own country. 

The first detachment of the British army ascended Bayou 
Bienvenu in five barges full of men with artillery. They rowed 
up the bayou quickly. There was an American sergeant with 
his party watching for them, bat their number was too small for 
them to venture an attack upon the enemy. 

And this was the way the British succeeded in occupying the 
banks of the Mississippi without having to pass Fort St. Philip 
with their fleet. They came by the back door, not the front door, 
of the city. 

Had not General Jackson ordered Bayou Bienvenu also to be 
closed? 

Yes ; but owing to some carelessness, the order had 
not been obeyed. 

What would have been the result if the order had been 
carried out ? 

The British army, not being able to pass through 
that Bayou, would have been obliged to ascend the 
Mississippi Eiver from the mouth. 

What was the British force engaged in this affair f 
About two thousand five hundred men. 

Who made the attack ? 

General Jackson attacked the British. 

When was this attack made ? 
On the night of December 23. 

With what force ? 

About eighteen hundred men. 

How lo7ig did the engagement last ? 
From seven to nine and a half P. m. 



A3IERICAN DOMINATION. 101 

What was the result ? 

Although the British remained on the ground, the 
attack prevented them from advancing immediately, as 
they had intended, npon the cily. 

What prevented this attack from being coinpletely suc- 
cessful? 

A thick fog which arose about eight o'clock and oc- 
casioned much confusion. 

Give the British loss ? 

It was about four hundred. 

And the A77ierican loss ? 
Two hundred and thirteen. 

How had this engagement encouraged the Americans f 
It had shown them that an army of British regulars 

could be kept back with inferior forces of American 

militia. 



CHAPTER XL. 
THE ARRIVAL OF THE KENTUCKIANS. 1814. 

Where did General Jacksoji intrench after the battle of 
December 23? 

On tlie 24th^ he fell back about two miles nearer the 
city. 

On what day was an unsuccessful attack made in their turn 
hy the British ? 
December 28. 

With what loss were they repulsed? 
With a loss of three hundred men. 

Whe?i did the British itext attack the Ainericans f 
January 1, 1815. 



102 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

Explain the character of this attack f 

It was meroly an artillery duel, in which, although 
the British had twenty-eight guns to the Americans' ten, 
the latter silenced their opponents. 

What had been the object of the British in these two at- 
tempts f 

To open a breach in the American lines, so as to be 
able to carry them by storm, and in that way, advance 
nearer to the city. 

What reinforcements did the Americans receive at this 
time ? 

Two thousand five hundred Kentuckians, under the 
command of Major-General John Thomas Adair and 
Brigadier-General Jolwi Adair. 

Why was this reinforcement of less tise than Gerieral Jack- 
son had hoped ? 

Only four hundred and fifty of the body were prop- 
erly armed. 

Nearly half of these Kentuckians were in want of 
proper clothing. This was a signal for the humanity of Louisi- 
anians. The Legislature of the State appropriated $6,000 towards 
clothing them. The city and neighboring parishes gave $10,000 
more. The shop-keepers of the city brought out their goods for 
them. And the ladies of New Orleans — never wanting when Pa 
triotism, mated with Charity, appeals to their hearts — made their 
clothing for them. 



CHAPTER XLI. 
THE BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS, JANUARY 8, 1815. 

What did the British do after the repulse of Jamuiry i ? 
They continued to make formidable preparations for 
a decisive attack. 



AMERICAN DOMINATION. 103 

Of what did General Jackson become convinced on the even- 
ing of the Jtk ? 

That they would attempt to storm the breastworks 
the next day (the 8th). 

What troops had he to resist the assault ? 
Not more than 3,200 of all kinds. 

Where was the remainder of his army f 
Those that had arms were stationed at different 
points which needed defence. 

Do you know the actual British force in the battle of the 
Zth of January? 

Between six and seven thousand. 

Where was the American anny stationed? 
On the plain of Chalmette, some four miles below the 
city. 

Describe how their lines ran ? 

From the river across the plain to a short distance in 
the swamj^ — the whole line being about half a mile long. 

How were they defended ? 

By a breastwork, with a ditch in front of it, extend- 
ing the whole length, and armed with only twelve pieces 
of artillery. 

By whom was this artillery 7nantied? 

The battery near the river was manned by the New 
Orleans RiflemxCn ; batteries No. 3 and 4, in the centre, 
by Lafitte's Baratarians ; and those nearest to the swamp 
by Flaugeac's battery, and a battery served by United 
States gunners. 

Is it true that these breastworks were strengthened by cotton 
bales ? 

It has been said that they were, but this was a mis- 
take. No cotton bales were used in the battle of the 8th. 



104 IISTORY OF LOUISIANA, 

When did the attack begin on the %th ? 

A little after sunrise, the British began to move. 

Against what poi?it was the main attack directed ? 
Against the batteries nearest to the swamp. 

What artillerymen worked these batteries ? 

By what troops were they defended? 
Tennesseans and Kentnckians. 

Describe the manner of the attack ? 
The British after giving three cheers, advanced in a 
close column of sixty men front. They were met by a 
terrible tire from the American artillery and the West- 
ern riflemen. They continued to march steadily, but 
after a struggle of twenty-five minutes, the column, at 
last, completely routed, fled to a ditch some four hun- 
dred yards from our lines. 

Did their officers succeed zji getting them to renew the 
attack f 

Yes ; having been ordered by their officers to lay 
aside their knapsacks, they advanced for a second time. 

How did this second charge result ? 

More disastrously tlian the first. General Packen- 
ham, the commander-in-chief, was killed while gallantly 
leading the troops. They once more broke and fled to 
the ditch. 

Who else of the principal officers were wounded in this 
charge f 

General Mill, the second in command, was mortally 
wounded, and General Keane badly. 

Who took command of the British after these officers were 
wounded? 

General Lambert. 



A3IERICAN DOMINATION. 105 

Did the British make any other attempt ? 
None. They were entirely demoralized, and refused 
to advance for a third time. 

In the meantime, what other point was being attacked? 
The battery near the river, defended by the Orleans 
riflemen, under Captain Beale. 

Was this assault successful ? 

Only for a moment, the British force being so mucli 
larger. Colonel Rennie, their leader, had scarcely 
reached the breastworks when, while uttering the words 
*' Hurrah ! the day is ours !" he was shot, falling back 
a corpse into the ditch below. 

What influence did their leader's death have upon the 
British f 

It so disheartened them, that, in a short time, the 
redoubt was retaken by the Louisianians. 

Was any more fig Iiting done after this? 
No. The British army, completely panic-stricken, 
remained in their intrenchments. 

How long had the battle of New Orleans lasted? 
Scarcely more than an hour. At half past nine it was 
all over. 

What was our loss ? 

Only thirteen killed and wounded. 

What was that of the eneniy ? 

At least 2,600 killed and wounded. 

Where had another attack beeii made by the British ? 
One on a small American force on the other side of 
the river. 

How did that result ? 

Unfavorably to the Americans, under General Mor- 
gan, who were routed and driven from the position. 
5* 



r06 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

Did the enemy hold this position long ? 
No ; they left it hastily three days after the battle, 
recrossing the river and joining the main body. 



CHAPTER XLII. 

THE ENGLISH RETREAT. 1815. 

Where was the British fieet stationed at this time f 
^Near the month of the river. 

Why were they waiting at that point ? 

To be ready to ascend the river, so as to be on hand 
to join in the triumphal entry, which the English had 
boasted that they would make into New Orleans. 

By what fort did a part of the fleet attempt to pass to reach 
their main camp at Chalmette? 

By Fort St. Philip, which they bombarded for seven 
days, but unsuccessfully. 

Fort St. Philip was, and is still, situated on the bank of 
tlie Mississippi, about seventy-five miles below New Orleans, and 
twenty-five above the head of the pass. 

Opposite to Fort St. Philip, is Fort Jackson, built afterwards. 
It received its name in honor of General Jackson. 

What did this failure deteri7ii7te Gefteral Lambert, the new 
Commander-i7i-chief , to do? 

Seeing that it would be very dangerous to remain 
without communication with his fleet, he decided, at 
once, to retreat with his whole army. 

When did the British finally retreat from Chalmette? 
On the night of the 18th January, in silence and 
darkness. 



AMERICAN BOjMINATIOiY. 107 

What trick was played to prevent the Aincricatts from 
knowing that they had left ? 

The British left their huts standing on the morning 
of the 19tli. Flags were flying over them, and sentinels 
posted as usual. 

How did the Americans find it out at last? 
By the perfect silence in the British camp, and by 
seeing a crow eating very close to one of the sentinels. 

When the Americans entered the camp, what did they find 
these se7itinels to be ? 

Nothing but stuffed figures, dressed in British uni- 
forms and holding muskets. 

Where did the British go when they left the river f 
They encamped, for a few days, on the shores of 
Lake Borgne. 

When did the last of the invading army leave the shores of 
Louisiana ? 

On January 27th. 

What makes the victory of the Sth of January the more 
glorious ? 

The fact that the defeated army was composed of 
regular troops, who had fought against the soldiers of 
the great Napoleon, while the victorious army were 
militiamen only, who had never seen service. 

Can you tell me the American loss during the etttire cam- 
PaigJt ? 

It amounted to fifty-five killed ; eighty-five wounded ; 
ninety- three missing — total, three hundred and thirty- 
three. 



108 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA, 



CHAPTER XLIII. 

PEACE DECLARED. 1815. 

Whe7t did General Jackson enter New Orleans ? 
January 23d. 

Iji what man7ier was he welcomed by the grateful citizens? 

A solemn Thanksgiving was celebrated in the Cathe- 
dral. General Jackson, passing under a triumphal arch 
erected in Jackson Square, at the point where his statue 
is now raised, w^as crowned witli laurel, by a beautiful 
young girl representing Louisiana. On his way to the 
Cathedral, flowers were strewed in his path by other girls 
representing the various States and Territories of the 
United States. He was received at the door by Abbe 
Dubourg who, after a complimentary address, also 
crowned him. The army was under arms, and the 
whole city was out to do liomage to the hero who had 
saved lier. 

What news was received in February ? 
That peace had been declared between the United 
States and England on December 24, 1814. 

What does this prove ? 

That the battle of New Orleans was actually fought 
after peace had been declared, although neither of the 
armies had known it. 

What chivalrous act is recorded of Ge?teral facksofi ? 
He returned to General Keane, at his request, his sword, 
which that officer had lost when wounded on the field. 

Where were the British army and fleet waiting at this 
time ? 

In the neighborhood of Mobile, at Fort Bowyer, which 
they had attacked and captured. 



AMERICAN DOMINATION 109 

Why were they there ? 

They were expecting orders from the British Govern- 
ment to return. 

When was the Treaty of Peace filially ratified? 
February 17, 1815. 

On receiviiisr this news, what did the British do ? 
The entire army left Mobile and sailed for home. 

What notice did the Uftited States Congress take of the vic- 
tory of New Orleans? 

That body passed resolutions, complimentary to the 
people of Louisiana, for the valor with which they had 
defended their soil. 

To whom did President Madison extend a free and full 
pardon ? 

To the brothers Lafitte and their Baratarians, as a 
reward for their courage and patriotism. 

When did General Jackson leave New Orleans? 
At the close of March, 1815. 



CHAPTER XLIY. 

THE GOVERNORS OF LOUISIANA. 1816-1829. 

When did Governor Claiborne s administration close ? 
December, 1816. 

Who was elected his stcccessor ? 

Major General Villere, a distinguished Louisiana 
officer. 

What special fact is to be ?toted during this term ? 
Louisiana, for the first and only time in her history, 
was declared entirely free from debt. 



110 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

By whom was Governor Villere succeeded, and when ? 
In 1820, by Thomas Boiling Robertson. 

What can be said of the progress of Louisiana at this tiinef 
Her growth, both in population and commerce, had 
been remarkable. 

What had produced this wonderful prosperity ? 
Her becoming one of. the States of the American 
Union. 

Who succeeded Governor Robertson ? 
Henry Johnson. 

When was Governor Johnson inaugurated? 
December 24, 1824. 

What distinguished Frenchman visited New Orleans in 
1825? 

General Lafayette. 

Who was General Lafayette ? 

What Ex-President of the United States died in 1827 ? 
Thomas Jefferson. 

Who can tell how President Jefferson is connected with 
Louisiana ? 

What did the Legislature do to show the gratitude of 
Louisiana towards this great man ? 

It voted his heirs, whom Mr. Jefierson had left poor, 
the sum of 110,000. 

Who was Governor J ohnsoti s successor ; and inwhat year f 

Peter Debigny, in 1828. 

Who visited New Orleans, the sa7ne year, at the invitation 
of the Legislature ? 

General Jackson. 



AMERICAN DOMINATION HI 

For what purpose had General Jackson been mvUed? 
To join in the celebration of the anniversary of the 
battle of New Orleans. 

What anniversary was that of 1828 ? 

In what way was Governor Derbignfs adjuinzstratzon sud- 
denly closed? 

By his deatli, October 7th, 1829, from a fall from his 
carriage. 

As Governor Derbigny had died during his term of office 
Mr. A. Beauvais, as President of the Senate, assumed charge of 
the Government for a short time. 

Mr. T. Dupre was subsequently appointed Governor, and con- 
tmued as such until the original term of Governor Derbi^nv 
expired. ° ^ 



CHAPTEE -KIN, 
THE GOYERNORS OF LOUISIAM. THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Who, after the expiration of Derbignfs term, was elected 
Lrovernor ? 

Alfred B. Roman. 

At what were the exports of New Orleans estimated by 
Governor Roman ? 

At $36,000,000-120,000,000 of which were the pro- 
duce of Louisiana. 

Whence did the remaining $16,000,000 come? Who can 

Who succeeded Governor Roman? 

E. D. White, February 3, 1835. 

For what was the year 1837 noted? 

For a great financial crisis, during which all the 



tell? 



112 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

banks of the country, including those of Louisiana, 
suspended. 

Who succeeded Governor White, in February, 1839? 
Governor A. B. Koman, elected for a second ternp.. 

Who was Governor Romatis successor ? 
Alexander Mouton. 

What was adopted and ratified in 1 845 ? 
A new Constitution for Louisiana. 

What canyon say of it ? 

That it did not prove very popular among the people. 

Who was the first Governor under the new constitution ? 
Isaac Johnson (February, 1846). 

What important event occurred during his adfninistration ? 
The war between the United States and Mexico. 

What had led to this war ? 

Texas, which liad declared itself a separate Eepublic, 
free and independent of Mexico, to which she had 
formerly belonged, had become, in 1845, one of the 
United States. 

How did Mexico receive the 7iews of this admission ? 
She still claimed the Texan territory as her own, and 
protested against it ? 

What did the United States say to this f 
They asserted the right of Texas to join the Union ; 
and war followed. 

What interest did Louisia7ia have /;z this war ? 
She was the nearest State to Texas. The United 
States called upon her, as upon others, for volunteers'. 

How did she respond to the call? 
With the greatest enthusiasm. 



AMERICAN DO^riNATION. 113 

What sum did the Legislature appropriate for the purpose 
of egtiipping the troops ? 
JSTearly 1300,000. 

What American Geiieral were the Louisianians enabled to 
assist ? 

General Zacbary Taylor, who, by their timely aid, 
succeeded in capturing the important city of Monterey. 

From what State did General Taylor come ? 

He was born in Virginia, but lived in Louisiana. 

After his return from Mexico, General Taylor was nom- 
inated, by the Wliig Party, for the Presidency of tlie United 
States. He was elected and took his seat in March, 1849. He 
lived about a year after becoming President. 



CHAPTER XLYI. 

THE GOVERNORS OF LOUISIANA. TRANSFER OF THE 
CAPITAL TO BATON ROUGE. 1848-1856. 

What important buildiitg was fnished in 1848 ? 
Tbe State Penitentiary, at Baton Rouge, at a cost of 
8400,000. 

Where did the Legislature 7neet,for the first time, January 
21. 1850 ? 

At Baton Rouge. 

Why was it that they met there? 

Because, under tbe new Constitution, tbe seat of 
Government bad been transferred from New Orleans to 
Baton Rouge. 

In what building did the Legislature meet ? 
In a new State House, of a castellated style of archi- 
tecture. 



114 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

What other important evettt occurred during Governor 
Johnson's term ? 

The establishment of the system of Free Public 
Schools, under a special Department. 

Public Schools had been established previous to this period. 
But they bad not been deemed sufficiently important to claim tlie 
attention of a Department, specially chosen to administer them. 
They had been, for many years, under the charge of the Secretary 
of State, but had, at the last, grown far beyond that official's atten- 
tion. 

Who was the first Superintendetit of Public Education of 
Louisiana f 

Professor Alexander Dimitry. 

When did Governor Johnson s successor take his seat? 
January, 1850. 

Who was he f 

Governor Joseph Walker. 

In what did the mipopidarity of the Constitution of 1845 
result ? 

The forming and adoption of another Constitution. 

Who was the first Governor under the new Constitution of 
1852? 

P. 0. Hebert, January, 1853. 

For what is the year 1853 notable? 
A riot against the Spanish Consul and flag in New 
Orleans. 

Can you explain the causes which led to this riot? 

A Cuban patriot, named Lopez, had organized in 
New Orleans an expedition to seize the island of Cuba 
fi»m Spain. That expedition started from the city and 
was unsuccessful. 

What immediately led to it ? 

After the failure of the expedition, Lopez and some 



AMERICAN DOMINATION, 115 

of his American companions were executed by the Span- 
iards. This so exasperated their friends in New Orleans, 
that they attacked the Spanish Consulate. 

For what is the year 1853 ^nemorable? 
As the year of the most terrible epidemic of yellow 
fever which had ever visited New Orleans. 



116 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 



AK EXPLAIS'ATIOK 

The writer, in what he has written of the Civil War, 
has been compelled, under the restriction which it has 
seemed proper for him to adopt, to leave out of the 
State-picture that noble army who carried her banners, 
without reproach, in Virginia and Tennessee. Had he 
attempted to tell the tale of the Louisianians, both 
native-born and foreign, who fought with Lee and Hood, 
the events of four solemn years would have dwarfed, in 
size, as they surely did in a grand assertion of the lofti- 
est elements of action, the entire record of nearly two 
centuries. 

Louisiana children read, in their large histories, the 
details of the proud story. They know by heart, as their 
children will know, the names synonymous with so much 
courage and so much principle. Beauregard, Bragg, 
Polk, Harry Hays, are household words from the Gulf to 
the Arkansas Line. There was a certain fitness, too, 
that, in Fra:n'CIS Tillou Nicholls, out of one of the 
bravest defenders of the honor of Louisiana in war, 
should have risen the chosen champion of her rights 
in peace. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



CHAPTER XLYII. 

THE COJJ^FEDERATE STATES. 1861. 

By whom was Governor Hibert succeeded? 
Robert C. WicklifCe in 1856. 

Who succeeded Governor Wickliffe ? 
Governor T. Overton Moore. 

What caused anxiety at this time? 

The political condition of the country. 

To what was this owing ? 

To the suddenly developed strength of a new party 
called the Eepublican Party. 

The Republican Patity first started in the Northern States. 
Its main principle was hostility to the institution of slavery, as 
established in the Southern States. Its growth was slow, but 
towards 1858, it began to assume colossal proportions. The South 
feared that the success of the Republican party would endanger 
her own interests. When Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, was 
nominated by that party for the presidency, the South was 
alarmed. When Mr. Lincoln was elected President, the South 
believed that the entire power of the United States would, at 
once, be exerted to abolish slavery, without regard for the rights 
of the owners of slaves, and, through this measure, to imperil the 
very existence of the States themselves. There seemed to be 
sufficient ground for this fear in the excited speeches of promi 



118 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

nent Republicans, and in the intemperate resolutions, passed by 
the Chicago Convention, which nominated Mr. Lincoln. 

The Soutli thought it wise to resist the movement at the out- 
set. So it was that, after repeated endeavors to obtain a positive 
assurance from tlie triumphant party, all of which proved vain, 
that Slavery would not be interfered with, the Southern States 
resolved at last to leave a Union in which they believed that they 
could not enjoy their rights. 

Soutli Carolina was the first to secede Dec. 20th, 1860. Louisi- 
ana seceded January 26th, 1861. 

What name did the SoiUhern States assume in establishi7Jg 
a new Government ? 

The Confederate States of America. 

Who luas elected Preside7it of the tiew Confederacy f 
Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi. 

What States for?ned the Confederacy? 

South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Geor- 
gia, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, North Caro- 
lina, and Tennessee. 

What city was selected as its capital? 
Richmond, in Virginia. 

When and where did the war actually begin f 
Near Charleston, in South Carolina. 

In ivhat way did the civil war open ? 

By a successful attack made by the Confederates on 
Fort Sumter, then under the command of Major Rob- 
ert Anderson, of the United States Army. 



THE CIVIL WAR, 119 

CHAPTER XLYIII. 
PKEPARATIOiXS TO ATTACK NEW ORLEANS. 1862. 

The Seat op War at tlie beginning of the struggle, was cen- 
tered in Virginia. This prominence was rendered necessary, in a 
military point of view, because that State was near Washington 
City, the capital of the Union. 

Upon the first call, Louisiana troops flocked to Virginia, and 
remained in that State until the end of the Civil War in April, 
1865. 

This is a history of Louisianians in Louisiana, It is partly also 
a history of other Americans in Louisiana. The individuality of 
the State, in a certain sense, should not properly pass beyond its 
territory. 

What was dee?ned of the first importattce by the United 
States Government ? 

The opening, and the keeping open, of the Missis- 
sippi Kiver. 

What large city was it thought necessary to attack f 
New Orleans. 

When was this attack determined on ? 
In the spring of 1862. 

Of what was the itivading force composed f 
Of land and naval forces. 

Who comma7tded the la?id forces ? 
Major-General Benjamin F. Butler. 

Who was placed in com?na?id of the fleet ? 
Flag-Officer D. G. Farragut. 

Captain Farragut, for liis gallantry in this campaign, was 
promoted to the rank of Commodore. 

He was born in Tennessee, and he passed his boyhood in New 
Orleans, where he has relatives still living. 



120 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA, 

The American Navy is full of great and brilliant names. 
None is more brilliant, none more justly entitled to reverence, 
than that of Commodoiie Farragut. 

The Plan of Attack formed was that General Butler and 
his troops were to wait off Ship Island until Flag Officer Farragut 
had made his preparations to ascend the river, with his Fleet to 
attack the Forts, 

On the 15th of April, Captain Farragut announced that he was 
ready. The army, at that time, numbered 15,000 troops. 

The Fleet consisted of forty-seven armed vessels — of which 
eight were large, powerful sloops-of-war ; eighteen steam gun- 
boats ; two of them ranking as sloops-of-war ; and twenty-one 
were mortar-schooners. 

The steam sloops carried from nine to twenty-eight guns. 

The gun-boats carried from five to six guns each. 

Total of mortars about three hundred and ten. 

What were the two forts which were to be first reduced 
before New Orleans cotild be reached? 
Forts Jackson and St. Philip. 

Who comma7ided Fort Jackson ? 

General J. E. Duncan, with a force of 1,500 men. 

Who commanded Fort St. Fhillp ? 
Colonel Higgins, with a smaller force. 

These Forts were not far apart. Fort Jackson was on the 
Western bank, thirty miles from the mouth of the river. Fort 
St. Philip was on the Eastern bank, a few hundred yards above. 
They were both well fortified and most formidable to a fleet at- 
tempting to pass them. The impression among their defenders 
— commanded by two skillful officers of the old United States 
Navy — was that they could not be successfully attacked by any 
force on the Federal side. Lieut. Weitzel, of the United States 
Engineers, and on duty in the Fleet, was of the opinion that, if 
the forts had been provided with a full complement of the best 
modern artillery, they could not have been reduced or passed by 
wooden ships. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 121 



CHAPTER XLIX. 
THE PASSAGE OF THE FORTS. 

When did the bombardment begin ? 
April 18, 1862. 

How did it open ? 

By a terrible and united fire from the mortar-boats. 

How did this plan succeed? 

So little that, after six days of fire, the bombardment 
was finally given up* 

What bold plan was next determined on by Flag-officer 
Farragut ? 

That of ^^ running the forts," 

What had already been done to facilitate this move7nent f 
The iron cable, which the Confederates had stretched 

across the river from the front of Fort Jackson to the 

opposite shore, had been cut. 

When was the attempt to cut this cable made f 
During the night of April 21st. 

What precajitio7t was taken to distract the attention of the 
fortfrojn those who were tryijig to cut the cable? 

A heavy fire was kept up all along the line on Fort 
Jackson. 

Was this attejnpt successful? 

It was, and before daylight the cable was entirely cut. 

Whe?t was Captain Farragut ready for running the forts ? 
On the evening of the 23d. 
6 



122 HISTORY OF LOUISTANA, 

What was his plan of passage ? 

The mortar-boats were to cover the movement with 
the most rapid fire of which they were capable. 

What was this fire intended to conceal? 

The advance of the Federal fleet in the darkness. 

hi how ?nany divisions was it decided that the fieet should 
advance ? 

In three divisions — the first one being under the com- 
mand of Captain Farragut ; and the others to follow him 
along the eastern bank, and in the middle of the river. 

What was the hour fixed for startijtg ? 

The signal to weigh anchor was given at two o'clock 
in the morning. At 3.30 a. m., the ships began their 
hazardous movement forward. 

Did the forts become aware of this attack? 
Yes, and they directed a heavy fire against the ad- 
vancing ships. 

What prevented the fire fro?n the forts proving effective? 
The darkness which shrouded the movements of the 
vessels. 

Did the fire fro7n the forts hurt the ships ? 

Some were seriously injured. The F<:??^?/wc« was sunk. 
But the foremost continued in the darkness to press on, 
and had soon passed Fort St. Philip, and were in safety 
above it. 

This was a most exciting race while it lasted. The brave 
and skillful gunners of the forts knew that tlie ships were pass- 
ing. But they could not see clearly through the night. Many 
shots hit ; but the ships, directed by the strong purpose of their 
heroic commander, succeeded with one exception, in running by, 
injured a little, but not disabled. 

Did the Confederates do anything with their Flotilla ? 
Some damage ; but. the vessels were too small, with 



THE CIVIL WAR. 123 

the exception of the Manassas and the Louisiana, Con- 
federate rams, to check any determined advance. 

The Confederate Flotilla consisted of fourteen or fifteen 
gun- boats. Most of them were our common river-steamboats, 
strengthened and armed a little. They were no match for the 
powerful vessels opposed to them. 

What two Confederate ?'anis were destroyed during this 
passage, and after it ? 

The Manassas and the Louisiana. 

The Manassas, after having gallantly attacked the Richmond, 
and pushed a fire raft upon the Hartford, Captain Farragut's 
own vessel, at length rushed in the darkness upon the Mississippi. 
These were all powerful sloops of war propelled by steam. In 
attacking the Mississippi, she ran on shore. Her career was 
ended when she could not move. She had but one gun, and that 
inferior. The guns of the Mississippi were of the heaviest cal- 
ibre. A broadside from the Mississippi knocked away her smoke- 
stack. N.othing could be done with an iron ram, with her smoke- 
stack gone. Her men riddled and deserted her. A little while 
after, the Manassas drifted off. She went down the river filling 
with water, and towards the last on fire. It was sunrise. Her 
only gun wentotf. Then, like some great wounded animal of the 
deep, she gave a plunge, and was lost to the sight of friends and 
foes in the waters of the great river which she had tried to keep 
from the one in her efforts to guard it for the other. 

Ca?t you give the distance run by the Federal fleet ? 

From the starting place to a point above Port St. 
Philip, where they were safe from its guns, about five 
miles. 

What was the full time taken up in the passage? 
One hour and thirty minutes. 

It must be remembered that all this was done in great con- 
fusion. The ships that had passed anchored above Fort St. 
Philip. General Butler had not yet appeared. The Confederate 
Flag still waved over Forts Jackson and St. Philip, But it was 



12^i HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

clear that New Orleans could not hold out after the forts had been 
once passed. 

To whom then is the honor of the capture of New Orleans 
to be ascribed? 

To the fleet of the Uaited States, under flag-officer 
Far rag Lit. 

General Butler never attempted to pass the forts. He 
gained a point above Fort St, Philip through one of the many 
bayous back of it leading to the river. The forts were still de- 
fiant, the Confederates still held them, when General Butler 
reached in safety that point, which had been gained through an 
awful and memorable night, by the noble Farragut. The way to 
New Orleans was opened to the soldier, because the sailor had 
opened it for him. 

The forts did not surrender until Captain Farragut and his 
fleet had anchored before New Orleans. To have resisted longer 
would have been folly. They had nothing to defend when they 
could no longer save New Orleans. 

As a proof of the strength of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, I 
quote from a report made by Lieutenant Weitzel : 

" The navy passed the works, but did not reduce them. Fort 
St, Philip stands, with one or two slight exceptions, to-day, with- 
out a scratch. Fort Jackson was subject to a torrent of thirteen 
inch and eleven inch shells during a hundred and forty-four 
hours. It is as strong to-day as when the first shell was fired 
at it." 

When did the Federal fleet come in front of New Orleaiis? 
April 25 th, at noon. 

When did General Butler appear to take military possession 
of the city ? 
April 30th. 

The LoursLANA was a huge vessel built upon the hull of a 
dry dock. She was propelled by four engines. The intention 
was to have armed her with sixteen heavy guns. She did not 
receive the armament in time for the fight. 

The Louisiana was not more fortunate than her sister, the 
Manassas. Both belonged to that family of naval monsters, like 



THE CIVIL WAR. 125 

the famous " Merrimac," in Hampton Roads, which engaged singly 
with three Federal war vessels ; and like that other famous ram, 
" Tennessee" which, later on, kept at bay, for a time, the whole 
Union fleet in Mobile Harbor. Not being able to defend her, 
however, owing to the absence of her guns, and not wishing her 
to fall into the hands of the Federals, three days after the passage 
of the forts, her officers set her on fire and sent her down the river. 
She ended her course by blowing up, and then floated down in 
presence of the troops that lined the shore, and of the mortar-fleet 
in the river, which struggled, on every side, to escape the blazing 
wreck, — terrible even in its ruin. 



CBAPTER L. 
THE CAPTURE OF NEW ORLEANS. 1862. 

Who was the Commander-i7i-Chtef of the Confederate 
forces in Louisiana ? 

General Mansfield S. Lovell. 

When had General Lovell assumed command of the De- 
partment ? 

October 18, 1861 

What eve7it took place upon the approach towards the city 
of the Federal fleet ? 

The destruction, by the Confederates, of property of 
an immense value. 

Why was this done ? 

To prevent it from falling into the hands of the 
Federals. 

Fifteen thousand bales of cotton on the levee, and 
twelve or fifteen cotton-ships in the river, were burned. Besides 
these, fifteen or twenty steamboats were destroyed. The ram 
Mississippi — a vessel that would have been more powerful even 
than the Louisiana, but which was unfinished — was set on fire. 
The dry docks were burned. 



126 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA, 

The confusion was awful. A black pall, even at midday, over- 
spread the city ; and a judgment of fire seemed, to have fallen upon 
land and water — upon friend and foe, alike. 

To what was the capture of New Orleans due ? 
To the small number of Confederate soldiers within 
the city. 

So LARGE A NUMBER of the men capable of bearing arms had 
left the city, that General Lovell found it impossible to defend it. 
They had responded to the appeal of General G. T. Beauregard, 
who was then second in command to General Albert Sydney 
Johnston. The Confederate forces were at Corinth, Mississippi, 
ready to resist the advance of the Federal forces, under General 
Grant, who with gun-boats and a large army, were on the Ten- 
nessee River near by. General Beauregard needed troops, and 
thousands of gallant Louisianians flocked to Corinth. The de- 
parture of these, of course, left General Lovell without men. 

Louisianians all know General Beauregard. He still lives 
honored among us. He was during the Civil War not only the 
most distinguished general whom Louisiana gave, but one of the 
most brilliant leaders of the Confederate army. 



CHAPTEK LI. 
GENERAL BRECKIMIDGE ATTACKS BATON ROUGE. 1862. 

What was the first object of General Butler, after the cap- 
ture of New Orleans ? 

To open the Mississippi Eiver to the Federals. 

What expedition was it proposed to undertake in further- 
ance of that object? 

The expedition to ascend the river and capture Baton 
Rouge. 

What gave importance to this town ? 
The fact that the United States Barracks had long 
been established there. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 1^7 

Who captured Baton Rouge ? 

The Federal fleet undei- Captain Farragut. 

IVkeft did the town surrender to him ? 
May 28, 1862. 

Who coniuianded the Federal land forces? 
Brigadier Greiieral Thomas Williams. 

Was there any defence made ? 
None whatever. 

Why was this f 

There were no Confederate troops at that point, and 
the inhabitants could not offer any resistance. 

What did the force under General Williams number ? 
Abont 4,500, acting in conjunction with five gun- 
boats and several transports. 

Did the Confederates remaijt satisfied to lose Baton Rouge f 
JSTo ; it was not long before they resolved to recap- 
ture it. 

When was this expedition determined on ? 
In August, 1862. 

Who commanded the Confederate forces ? 
General John C. Brcckinrldo^e. 

Who was General Breckinridge ? 

One of the most distinguished citizens of Kentucky, 
who was, at the opening of the war. United States 
Senator from that State. 

What positio7t had beeti previously held by General Breck- 
inridge f 

That of Vice President of the United States, with 
President Buchanan, from 1857 to 1861. He was also 
the Democratic candidate for President in 1860. 



128 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

With what force did General Breckinridge make the 
attack ? 

About two thousand six hundred men. 

What powerful auxilia7y did he hope would join him ? 
The famous ram " Arkaksas." 

The Arkansas was one of those formidable rams built by 
the Confederate Government, the exploits of which have gained 
for them a reputation that is destined to last as long as the name 
of the Confederacy itself. 

The Confederate Government had ordered the Arkansas to be 
built on the Yazoo River. She was not ready for action when 
the Federal fleet appeared before Vicksbarg. Her commander, 
Captain J. N. Brown, was compelled to run a race for Vicksburg, 
before her machinery could be completed. On the morning of the 
25th July, she steamed out of the Yazoo River. Three Federal 
vessels were watching for her at its mouth. The ram rushed at 
them. They scattered. Then began the real race, a race that was 
full of danger, a race through shot and shell, a race through 
bomb and mortar, a race through an entire fleet. Nothing could 
stop the Arkansas. She was equal to them all. At last, and it 
was a proud moment for those on board, as it was for those who 
watched her with beating hearts from the shore, she found her- 
self in safety under the batteries at Vicksburg. After this, re- 
peated efforts were made to destroy the Arkansas. All of these 
failed. Even the big Essex, after thundering at her with her 
huge guns, had to leave her. And, little by little, it came to be 
whispered that the Arkansas was invulnerable. 

This was why General Breckinridge was very anxious that 
she should attack the gun-boats in front of Baton Rouge, while 
he advanced with his land forces upon the town from the Comite 
River, some distance in the rear, where he was encamped. But 
it was very hard work for the ram to get to Baton Rouge from 
Vicksburg. She could find no conveniences in Vicksburg to com- 
plete the machinery — let alone to repair damages from her many 
fights. But General Breckinridge was calling upon her to come. 
So, one day, she left for Baton Rouge. Her blacksmiths were 
making music with their hammers, as she left the protection of 
the batteries, and steamed down the river. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 129 

General Breckinridge — chafing on the banks of the Comite 
River — received a telegram. That telegram said : " TJie Arkan- 
sas will be ready to join in your attack on Baton Rouye, at daylight, 
on the 5th of August." 

On the morning of the 5th — long before it was daylight — Gen- 
eral Breckinridge advanced from the Comite River upon the Fed- 
eral army. The battle opened. The odds were heavy against the 
Confederates. But General Breckinridge trusted in the Arkansas. 
All day long he listened for the roar of her guns. He was never 
to hear those guns again. The Arkansas had dashed gallantly 
down. She was fulfilling her promise, and was already within 
hearing of the artillery of the Confederates — not more than five 
miles from the point where they were fighting against a superior 
force. When she had gone this far, the engineer announced that 
the machinery was so broken that it could not be repaired. The 
Federal gun-boats were drawing nearer and nearer. If the Ar- 
kansas could not move fast — it was the old story over again — she 
could not ram. If she could not ram, she was of no more use. So 
with the deepest grief, feeling it a stern reality, her officers fired 
and left her. She was free to go where it pleased her — her guns 
all shotted — her colors waving in the breeze. One by one, those 
guns, as the flames reached them,»roared out; and so the last race 
of the Arkansas was run, not only without dishonor, but with a 
glory that will long be remembered on the shores of the Great 
River. 

What was the character of the attack made by the Confed- 
erates ? 

It was bravely made, and gallantly maintained. 

How far did the impetuosity of the Confederates carry them ? 
Towards the close of the battle, as far as the back 
streets of the town. 

What was the general residt ? 

A signal victory by the land forces over tlie Federals. 

Why coidd not -this victory be made decisive? 
Owing to the destruction of the Arkansas from which 
so much had been hoped. 

6=^ ** 



130 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

What Louisiana officer distinguished himself in this 
charge ? 

Brigadier-General Henry Watkins Allen, who was 
dangerously wounded. 

General Allen originally entered the war as Colonel of the 
Fourth Louisiana Regiment. He had gained his promotion by re- 
peated displays of a valor that made him the idol of his men. 
They trusted in him ; and they cared for no danger when they 
were following him. 

It was, at first, feared that General Allen had been mortally 
wounded at Baton Rouge. But it turned out, fortunately, that, 
although his wound cost him a broken leg, he finally recovered, 
through the care of a faithful physician and devoted nurses. He 
was not strong enough, afterward, to join in the active duties of 
the field ; but he was still enabled to be of great service to the 
cause which he loved so deeply. 

He was afterwards elected by the Confederates, Governor of 
the State of Louisiana, It was in that position that all his noble 
qualities of heart and mind shone out. No State in the Confed- 
eracy could boast of a truer, a braver, a juster, a more fearless, a 
more devoted champion of her rights than Louisiana had in those 
dark days. Can you wonder that the State, her men, her women, 
her children, loved Henry Watkins Allen ? 

What heavy loss did the Federals suffer duriiig the assault? 
The death of General Williams, the commander. 

Brigadier General Thomas Williams was high-toned, 
honorable in his dealings with men, and a gallant officer. The 
army which lost him deplored him ; and the army that fought 
against him respected him. He was shot dead while crying, 
"Forward! my Indianians!" in leading a charge of an Indiana 
regiment. 

What effect did the destruction of the Arkansas have upon 
General Breckinridge ? 

After hours of heroic fighting, seeing no sign of the 
ram, he was forced to give the order to retreat to the 
Comite. 



THE CIVIL WAR, 131 

Tkzs appeared to be the end of the battle ; but what was the 
real end? 

The retreat of the Federals, a short time after, to 
New Orleans. 

In THEIR GENERAL PLAN to opeii tlie Mississippi, however, 
tlie Federals finally succeeded. Vicksburg, after a resistance 
that has made her name famous, surrendered on the 4th July, 
1863. Port Hudson, after an equally gallant defence, followed 
on the ninth. When these fell, the campaign on the river was 
over. The Mississippi was open from the North to the sea. 



CHAPTER LII. 

THE TWO GOVERNORS OF LOUISIANA. 1864-1866. 

When was General Allen hiauguraied as Governor of 
Louisiana ? 

March 3d, 1864. 

Who was ktiown as the other Governor of Louisiana ? 
Hon. Michael Hahn. 

What was the territory that recognized the authority of 
Governor Allen ? 

All of Louisiana, outside of New Orleans and the 
Federal lines. 

What portion recognized Governor Hahn's authority f 
The city of New Orleans, and the territory occupied 
by the Federal troops. 

When did he become Governor? 
February 22d, 1864. 

It must be remembered that these two governments in the 
same State were owing to the peculiar condition of her military 
affairs. Mr. Hahn was a respected citizen of New Orleans, who 
remained faithful to the Union. He became Governor, then of 



132 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

tliat part of Louisiana which acknowledged Federal authority^ 
Beyond that. Governor. Allen's authority was supreme. 

Where did Governor Halm hold his seat of government ? 
In New Orleans. 

Where did Coventor Aliefi establish the Government of 
Louisiana ? 

At Shreveport. 

In wliat Parisli is Shreveport ? 



CHAPTEE LIII. 
IN SOUTH AND CENTRAL LOUISIANA. 1862-63. 

Towards what sectioji of the State did the Federals turn 
their attention ? 

Southern Louisiana. 

Who came out of New Orleans with a brigade f 
General Weitzel. 

Wlio can tell anything about General Weitzel ? 

Where did he meet the Confederates ? 
At Labadieville, about fourteen miles from Thibo- 
daux. 

In what Parish are these towns ? 

What was the result of this battle ? 
Largely outnumbered, the Confederates retreated and 
left Weitzel in possession of the country. 

Where was the next important battle ? 
Near Franklin, in St. Mary's Parish. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 133 

When ? 

April 14, 18G3. 

This battle is generally known as the battle of "Bisland" 
— from the name of the owner of the place, upon which the Con- 
federate forces were encamped. 

Who were more numerous in this battle ? 
Tlie Federals outnumbered the Confederates six to 
one. 

What was the Confederate force ? 
Five thousand men of all arms. 

What %vould that make the Federal force? 

About 30,000 — 18,000 of whom were on land — and 

12,000 sent in transports up Grand Lake, to operate in 
the rear of the Confederates. 

Who commanded the Confederates ? 

General Alfred Mouton — one of the most gallant sons 
of Louisiana — who was to meet his death- wound later on, 
at Mansfield. 

Who was the Federal Commander-in-Chief ? 

General Nathaniel P. Banks, of Massachusetts, who 
had succeeded General Butler in command of the De- 
partment. 

What did the Confederates gain iji this battle? 
The praise of having acted like heroes in the face of 
an overpowering force. 

What was the estimated loss of the Federals in this cam^ 
paign ? 

Over 4,000 in killed and wounded. 

There could be but one result of the great disparity of 
numbers. The Confederates were compelled to retreat towards 
Alexandria. 

Alexandria fell. They went as far as Natchitoches. Then 
they turned back — to capture Brashear City, now called Morgan 



134 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

City. From that time, tlie Confederates continued in the stretch 
of country between the Atchafalaya and the Arkansas line — march- 
ing — manoeuvring — fighting. The whole of these movements — 
not important in themselves — from May, 1863, afford a splendid 
evidence of the pluck and endurance on the part of the Louisi- 
anians. But there were more skirmishes than battles. 

The next chapter will tell how two powerful Federal armies 
from South and East drew in their lines closely and more closely, 
until they met the Confederates in battle-array on the historic 
hills of Mansfield. 



CHAPTER LIY. 
THE RAID UP RED RIVER VALLEY. 1864. 

What important expedition on the Federal side opened the 
war in 1864? 

That against the Red River Valley. 

This Expedition up the rich Red River Valley had been a 
favorite project of Gen. N. P. Banks. He made his famous raid up 
the valley in March, 1864. He had been long preparing for it. 
He thought that it would be his masterpiece. He had soldiers 
enough. But being more of a lawyer than a soldier, his victories 
were not so numerous as his battles. 

What was the character of this movement ? 

It was a plan for bringing three large bodies of Fed- 
eral troops, from different directions, to concentrate at 
Sbreveport. 

What was the entire force of General Banks f 

General Banks had an army of forty-five thousand 
men, and a navy to co-operate witli his army, of sixty 
gun-boats and transports. 

Who was his second in command? 

General A. J. Saiith. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 135 

How was the advance 7iiade ? 

General Smith landed at the mouth of Eed Eiver, 
and ascended it to Alexandria, which he captured. 

For wJiom did he wait then ? 

For the main army under General Banks. 

By what way was Banks approachi7ig ? 
Up the Teche Bayou. 

What did the united forces do ? 

They marched in the direction of Shreveport, the 
Confederates falling back. 

How did the Confederates fall back? 

Fighting at every point, skirmishing every day. 

Who commanded the third divisioji ? 
General Steele. 

Where was General Steele marching from f 
From Camden, Arkansas, moving southward. 

Why was Shreveport regarded as so importajit ? 
Because it was the war-capital of Confederate 
Louisiana. 

It was believed that, if Shreveport was captured, the Con- 
federate army would be compelled to leave Louisiana. 

Who was the Confederate Commander-in-Chief? 
General E. Kirby Smith. 

To MEET THESE FORMIDABLE FORCES, General Kirby Smith 
had an army scattered over Louisiana and Texas. This Depart- 
ment was very extensive. It included Louisiana, Texas and Ar- 
kansas. And the number of men whom he had to defend this 
big territory, was not large. 

Who commanded the Confederates who were falling back 
before Banks' armyl 

General Richard Taylor. 



136 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

General Taylor is a native of Louisiana. He is the son of 
the famous General Zacbary Taylor, who, when the fathers of 
the present children of Louisiana were boys, distinguished him- 
self in the Mexican War. The country was proud of old" Rough 
and Ready," and made him President. 

General Dick Taylor was himself a brilliant successor, in 
military skill, of his eminent father. 

Horn did General Dick Taylor like all this falling back ? 
He liked skirmishing far better ; but lie didn't like 
that much either. 

What did he resolve at last to do ? 
To take a stand, and give battle. 

How many men had he at this time ? 
About 9,000, not more. 

Where did he resolve to stop ? 

A quarter of a mile from Mansfield, a small town 
between Shreveport and Natchitoches. 

In what Parish is Mansfield ? 

What did he say to General Polignac, as he rode along the 
line before the fight ? 

"Little Frenchman, I mn going to fight Banks here, 
if he has a million of men.^'' 

General Polignac was a brave and chivalrous Frenchman, 
who offered his services to the Confederate Government, and fought 
for it to the close of the war. He was in France a noble and a 
Prince. But, with his army comrades, he was General Polignac. 
With General Taylor, he was "little Frenchman." 

Who distinguished hiinself in this battle ? 
General Mouton. who was killed during the engage- 
ment. 

We have already seen who General Mouton was. He was 
a noble type of the chivalry and daring of the Creoles of this 



THE CIVIL WAR, 137 

State. Louisiana lost a son of whom she was proud — Louisianians 
a brother who liad never failed them, and whose name is high in 
their love, to-day. 

Wken was the battle of Mansfield fought ? 
April 8, 1864. 

What was the resiilt? 

The Federals, in tlieir turn, were routed and driven 
back several miles. 

How far did they go back ? 

To Pleasant Hill, about fifteen miles from Mansfield. 

What enabled them to make another stand here? 
The arrival of reinforcements. 

How did the battle of Pleasant Hill end? 
The fight was heavy, but night fell on a ''drawn 
battle." 

If the advantage lies with an army which remains on the 
field, who should claim the victory here ? 

General Taylor, because he and his army camped on 
the battle-ground. 

For high courage and brave fighting, these battles of 
Mansfield and Pleasant Hill have not been surpassed, even on the 
Tennessee or the Potomac. For a small army to have remained 
masters of the field, after two days' fighting with a large army, is 
honor enough. 

What became of General Steele's expedition from Arkansas ? 
General Kirby Smith was doing his best to stop him 
from going forward. 

Did Gejicral Smith succeed in preventing General Steele 
from getting to Shreveport? 

Certainly, because the Federals were soon in full re- 
treat towards Arkjinsas. 



138 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

What loss did General Steele suffer in his share of the 
campaign ? 

General Smith killed and captured 4,000 men ; cap- 
tured ten pieces of artillery, and seized nearly 1,000 
wagons. 

What was the simi total of General Batiks'' famous raid up 
Red River Valley? 

A disastrous failure. 

With the termination of General Banks' Raid, and liis 
rapid retreat to the more southern parts of the State, the war in 
Louisiana may be said to have ended. No other engagements of 
any importance were fought after this. 

The news of General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomatox 
Court House closed the war. Probably, the last organization of 
the Confederacy which laid down its arms was the Consolidated 
Eighteenth Louisiana Regiment. It surrendered at Natchitoches, 
June 9, 18G5. 

It will thus be seen that the Civil War closed later, in Loui- 
siana than in Virginia. 

After the war, General Allen went to live in Mexico. 
There his old wounds soon began to weaken him, and it was not 
many months before the hero had passed away upon a foreign 
soil, far from the State which he honored and the friends whom 
he loved. 

A WORD TO THE CHILDREN OF LOUISIANA. 

The Civil War closed twelve years ago. Twelve years ago, the 
skies were dark. To-day, the sun of Peace is smiling upon the 
land. 

Your fathers fought a fight for principle, and fought it like 
heroes. There have been gloomy days since 1865. But the clouds 
have passed away, now. Louisiana sits to-day, among her sisters 
North, South, East and West, free — as free as the freest of them. 
She is of the Union — in the Union — with the Union. Remember, 
children : 

It is better to have a whole Union than one broken into half. 



TSE CIVIL WAR. 139 

It is better to have one great country than that country split 
into pieces. 

It is better to see men of the same land at peace, than quar- 
reling. 

It is better to find them friends under the same flag, than to 
meet them wrangling under diflferent flags. 

It is better, any day, to have a bridge than a chasm. 

And that bridge— do not forget-dear children of Louisiana ! 
for all who bear the name of American, is the Constitutional 
Union of these States— that is. the Union under the Constitution, 
which keeps the States at peace with one another, and the Fed-' 
eral Government just towards all. 




THE CITY OF NEW OKLEANS. 



CHAPTER LY. 



By whom was the City of New Orleans founded? 
In what year was it founded ? 

What town had been the capital of the colony before New 
Orleans? 

hi honor of whom was New Orleatts named? 
In honor of the Duke of Orleans, afterwards Louis 
XV, King of France. 

When was the Charity Hospital first established? 
In 1737. 

Thro2{gh whose liberality ? 

Through that of Jean Louis, a sailor, who, on his 



THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS. 141 

deatli-bed, left 10,000 livres (about $2,000) for the 
founding of a hospital free to all. 

This establishment was the original of the present immense 
building known as tlieCliarity Hospita],on Common Street, wliicli 
is under the charge of the Sisters of Charity. More than $50,000 
are spent for the annual expenses of the building, which accom- 
modates more than one thousand patients. 

Can you tell whe7i the UrsiiUne Nuns took possession of the 
edifice still in existejice on Chartres Street, betweeji Barracks 
and Hospital? 

In 1730. 

How long did they continue to stay there ? 
Until 1824, when they removed to a larger convent, 
three miles below the city. 

To what use was it afterwards put ? 
After the State House was burned down, the Legis- 
lature assembled there. 

What is the btdlding 7iozv ? 

It is now the Archbishop's residence. 

In what year was the St. Ursu line's church built? 
In 1771, at the special request of the Nuns. 

What disaster occurred on Good Friday, 1788 .^ 
A great fire which burned down eight hundred and 
fifty-six houses, among which were the Cathedral, the 
Town Hall, the Arsenal, tlie public prison, and all the 
stores and principal buildings. 

When did another great fire take place? 

Only six years afterwards, December 3., 1794. 

Where did it begi7t, and what damage did it do ? 

It began on Royal street ; and in three hours, de- 
stroyed two hundred and twelve of the most valuable 
dwellings, leaving only two stores uninjured. 



142 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

What is to be observed of this fire ? 
That although more houses were burnt in 1788, the 
property destroyed in 1794 was more valuable. 

When was the first regular newspaper published i?i New 
Orleans ? 

In 1794. It was published in French, and called 
Le Moniteur de la Louisiane. 

What improvement was introduced into the city two years 
later ? 

In 1796, the city was lighted for the first time with 
oil lamps. 

How many of these lamps were set up ? 
Eighty. 

How had the people managed before this ? 

They used to go to bed early. If they went out at 
night, they had servants to carry lighted lanterns before 
them. 

These oil lamps were not put on posts as the present gas 
lamps. Ropes used to be fastened either to posts at the corner or 
to the four corner houses of a square. Swinging from these ropes 
in the centre of the street, was the oil-lamp. There are many 
now living who remember the time when oil-lamps swung from 
these ropes. 

When did the yellow fever first make its appearance ? 
In the fall of 1796, when it proved very fatal. 

In what year was New Orleans incorporated as a city ? 
In February 28, 1805. 

Was tMs before or after the sale of Louisiana to the United 
States ? 

Whett did the first legislature of Louisia7ia ineetf 
November 4, 1805. 

Was Louisiana a territory or State in 1805 ? 



THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS, 143 

When did the first steamboat arrive fro fn the West? 
January 10, 1812. 

How did the people of New Orleans welcome the steamboat ? 
They were greatly excited. The whole population 
thronged to the levee to look at the wonderful steam- 
vessel — the first which they had ever seen. 

Who was one of the most useful benefactors to New Orleans ? 
Don Andres Almonaster, a Spanish gentleman. 

What buildings did he erect between 1770 and 1780 ? 

He built a larger Charity Hospital, a Town Hall, and 
the Cathedral, which was pulled down to make way for 
the present one. 

Don Andres Almonaster received from the town in 1770 the 
large space of ground on St. Peter's and St. Ann's Streets on per- 
petual yearly rent. The property is still owned by his daughter 
the Baroness of Pontalba (or her descendants) who built those 
rows facing Jackson Square known as the Pontalba Buildings. 
The remains of Don Andres Almonaster lie buried under the 
Cathedral pavement, near the altar, where his name may still be 
seen cut into the stone. At stated times, chimes are rung in honor 
of his memory by the Cathedral bells. 

What are the two most famous statues iii the city ? 

The ^Tquestrian statue of Geneeal Andrew Jack- 
son, on Jackson Square ; and the Clay statue on Canal 
Street. 

"Who can tell why New Orleans should honor the memory of 
Andrew Jackson ? 

"Who can say why the site of the Jackson Monument is appro- 
priate ? 

Jjt whose honor was the Clay statue erected? 
In that of Henry Clay. 

Who was Henry Clay ? 

A distinguished American orator and statesman. 



144 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

There is also a statue of Benjamin Franklin in Lafayette 
Square. It is the work of the celebrated American sculptor, 
Powers — but not a very good specimen of his art. 

In the Greenwood Cemetery, a Monument has been raised to 
the memory of the heroic Confederate Dead. The base of the 
Monument is surmounted by the figure of an armed soldier. The 
design is chaste ; and the sad surroundings lend an awful so- 
lemnity to that warrior in stone. 

What new Monujnent will soon te raised ? 

One to the memory of General Eobeet E. Lee. 

Who was General Lee ? 

The beloved leader of the Confederate army in Vir- 
ginia. 

The place selected for this Monument is Tivoli Circle. It 
is proposed to raise upon a mound, fiftv feet high, an equestrian 
statue of the noble Virginian. 

Name the principal squares of the city f 

Jackson Square, Lafayette Square, Place crArmes, 
Washington Square, Annunciation, Tivoli Circle, and 
Coliseum Place. 

"Who among you, children, can give the position of all these 
squares ? 

The Jackson Square (formerly known as the Place d'Armes, 
or place for the review of the troops) is very foreign looking. The 
busy river, with the thousand masts of its shipping, is in front. 
Across the square is the solemn Cathedral ; and on each side of 
that, are the quaint court houses, which take the mind back to 
the old Spanish colonial days. On either side of the square, are 
the Pontalba buildings, which although new have somehow, an 
old, old look about them. But it is the beauty of the venerable 
square itself — its rare tropical flowers and its well-kept walks — 
which most excite the curiosity of the strangers who come from 
every part of the country; while the bronze figure of the savior 
of New Orleans makes it precious to the hearts of all Louisi- 
anians. 



THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS. 145 

In what great organizatioti mdy New Orleans take pride? 
In its si:>lendid Fire Department. 

Why do you say this ? 

Because, from the liigli character of the firemen — 
their unselfish zeal in the discharge of their duties — and 
their fearlessness in the hour of danger, the New Orleans 
Fire Department has no equal in the country. 

Who can tell what day is the Piremen's Day ? " 

For what else is Nezu Orleans noted? 
For its system of street-cars. 

How is this street-car system worthy of notice ? 
The cars are said to be prettier, cleaner and more 
comfortable than those of any other city. 

When was the first street-car line, tmder the present system 
established ? 
In 1860. 

Had there been any other lines before this f 
Yes, one as early as 1833. 

Between what points was this liiie established? 
Between New Orleans and Oarrolton. 

The children of the present day cannot know that this was 
really the Jirst line of horse railroads built in the United States. 
The cars used then were two-storied. In the hot summers, when 
the sun was pouring down upon the city, this upper story, (with 
a canvas cover) which had to be reached by a staircase, was very 
pleasant. 

It was not until 1866 that the old two-storied cars gave way to the 
present line. Many think that there were more life and more ex- 
citement about the double story. As they remember it, the breezes 
were cooler and fresher aloft, than in the close cars of this day. 

Can you mention anything else for which New Orleans is 
known ? 

For its handsome churches and its various charitable 

institutions. 

7 



146 HISTORY OF LOUT ST AN A. 

Among the points of interest to a stranger is the space 
occupied by the churches of St. Alphonsus, St. Mary and Notre 
Dame — three of the finest and most imposing in the city — with 
their adjoining school-houses and asylums. This space may be 
justly called the Ecclesiastical Square of New Orleans. 

Of what famous hotel can the city boast ? 
The St. Charles Hoteh 

Why is this hotel famous ? 

On account of its great harmony of proportion and 
its admirable portico, the most imposing in the country. 

What three importa7it buildiitgs belong to the United 
States? 

The Custom House, thelJ. S. Mint, and the Barracks. 

The Custom House is probably the largest building of the 
kind in the country. It contains the City Post Office.. The 
Mint is a landmark on Esplanade Street, and fronts on the river. 
The Barracks are situated in the suburbs below the city, and also 
front the river. 

J^or what have the people of New Orleans always been 
preei7ii7ient ? 

For their exquisite musical taste. 

How has this taste been proved ? 

By the fact that New Orleans is the only American 
city where the ^^ Grand Opera " has a home. 

The People of New Orleans, and especially the Creoles, 
are artists in their conception of what good music is. They are 
everywhere recognized as excellent judges. 

What is looked upon as one of the curiosities of the city ? 
The "French Market."' 

Can you tell why this Market is called the French Market f 
Because the present building is on the site of the 
first market built by the French founders of the city. 



THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS. 147 

Every Stranger goes to see the French Market. 
Under its three roofs, every language is spoken. The buyers and 
sellers are men of all races. There are three buildings, each 
under a special roof. They are known as the " Meat Market," the 
"Vegetable Market," and the "Fish Market." Around these 
various markets, is a fringe of coffee-stands and fruit-stalls. 
Sometimes, the stranger sees some beings only half-civilized. 
The moment that he catches the smell of dried sassafras leaves, 
which make a splendid gomlo for the well, and that of the 
fragrant tisane, which makes soothing tea for the sick ; and that 
he casts his eye upon the odd looking moccasin shoes, so gayly 
set in row with embroidered beads, then he will begin to believe 
that some strange people are about. But when the same person 
sees around those peculiar goods, women with swarthy skins and 
long, splendid flowing hair, and, particularly, if he should see 
the queer \\ii\e papooses rolled up in some rough shawl- or rougher 
blanket, and laid down upon the ground, there to sleep or play 
as it may suit them, then he will be sure that these quiet, 
patient, dark-skinned women are Indians. And, perhaps, the 
tender thought, a thought as full of pity as it is of tenderness, 
will come to such strangers that those poor, lonely, houseless 
people are descendants of those who once were owners of the very 
soil on which the proud city of New Orleans now stands. 

Wlio of the class can give the name of the Indian Village 
which once occupied the site of New Orleans ? 

How ??tany additions have been lately made to the city iviih' 
out changing the Jiajties of the places added? 
Two. 

CaJt you 7iame 07ie of these ? 

The town of Oarroltoi^, above the city, on the same 
bank of the Mississippi River. 

What has Carroltoji become ? 
The Seventh District. 

Ca7i you 7tame the other ? 

The town of Algiers, lying opposite the city. 



148 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

By what number of District is Algiers known f 
By the name of the Fifth District. 

What may Algiers be called f 
The '•' Dock City." 

Why? 

Because of the number of ^^dry docks " there. 

What is a " dry dock? " 

A dock for the use of ship-carpenters. 

What do ship-carpenters do in these docks ? 
Repair the shipping, and the steamboats. 

Can you name some of the prijicipal docks ? 
The '^ Ocean Dock"; tlie ^'Marine Dock"; the 
" Vallette Dock," and the ^^Good Intent Dock." 

Algiers is not a large city ; but her docks keep several hun- 
dred men busy ; and the music of the ship-carpenter's hammer is 
always heard in Algiers. 

Can you name two places Jiear the city on the lake shore? 
Mihieburg and the New Lake End. 

On what lake are these places situated ? 

In whose honor is the lake itself named ? 

Can you tell the origin of the tiame of the New Lake End? 
It is the newer settlement on the lake shore — that is, 
it is the settlement last established. 

Which is the first established? 
Milneburg. 

MiLNEBURG is already an old town. It is named in honor of 
Milne — once a well-known citizen of New Orleans. It is reached 
by the Pontchartrain Railroad. 

How is the New Lake E?td reached fron the city ? 
By the " Dummy" Railroad on Canal Street. 



THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS. 149 

What is the real iniportajice of this settlemejit ? 
It is built at the outlet of the New Busin. 

Who of the class can tell the name of the founder of the Old 
Basin " ? Was he a Trench Governor, or a Spanish ? 

What is the most noticeable feature at the New Lakef 
The ^^Lake Protection Levee." 

What is the other name of this " Levee " ? 
^' The Eevetment Levee." 

Why has this levee been built ? 

As a protection against the action of the lake. 

The great equinoctial gale of 1877 — (September 19 and 
20) committed fearful ravages along the Gulf coast. Among im- 
portant works destroyed was tlie ' ' Revetment Levee." This is a 
great loss ; but it is one that will be repaired, sooner or later. 



150 



HISTORY OF LOUISIANA, 



CHRONOLOaiCAL TABLE OF THE GOV- 
ERNOES OF LOUISIANA. 



L 

FRENCH GOVERNORS. 

Sauvolle 1699-1701 . 

Bienville {1st term) 1701-1713 . 

De Muys, never readied Louisiana ; 

died in Havana 1701 . 

Cadillac 1713-1717. 

De L'Epinay 1717-1718. 

Bienville (2^ term) 1718-1724. 

Perier 1724-1733 . 

Bienville {M term) 1733-1744. 

De Vaudreuil 1744-1753. 

Kerlerec 1753-1763. 

D'Abbadie 1763-1765. 

Aubry 1765-1766 . 



Died in oflSice 
Recalled 



Recalled 



Died in office 
Ulloa arrives 



IL 

SPANISH GOVERNORS. 

Ulloa 1766-1768. Expelled 

Aubry (after Ulloa's expulsion) 1768-1769. O'Reilly arrives 

O'Reilly 1769-1770. Returns to Spain 

Unzaga 1770-1777. Transferred to Caraccas 

Galvez 1777-1785 . Made Viceroy of Mexico 

Miro 1785-1792. Recalled 

Carondelet 1792-1797. 

Gayoso 1797-1799. Died 

Casa Calvo 1799-1801 . Recalled 

Salcedo 1801-1803 . Close of Spanish Domi- 

nation. 



THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS. 



151 



III. 



AMERICAN GOVERNORS. 

W. C. C. Claiborne appointed Terri- 

torial Governor 1804-1812. 

W. C. C. Claiborne elected Governor of 

State 1812-1816. Died in office 

James Villere 1816-1820. Terra expired 

Thos. B. Robertson 1820-1824 . Resigned 

H. S. Thibodaux (to fill unexpired term) 

Henry Johnson 1824-1829 . Term expired 

Peter Derbigny 1829. Died in office 

A. Beauvais i „,, . -, ^ 

-rx /-to Till unexpired term 

Jaques Dupre ) '' 

A. B. Roman 1831-1835. Term expired 

Edward D. White 1835-1839. 

A. B. Roman 1839-1843. 

Alexander Mouton 1843-1846. 

Isaac Johnson 1846-1850. 

Joseph Walker 1850-1853 . 

PaulO. Hebert 1853-1856. 

Robert C. Wickliffe 1856-1860 . 

Thos. Overton Moore (to May) ,1860-1862. Occupation of 

Brig.-Gen, G. F. Shepley, Military 

Governor. May 1862 . New Orleans 

Gen. Henry W. Allen, Confederate, elected 1864. 

Michael Hahn elected, Feb. 32, 1864. 

Military Governor until March 4, 1865. 
J. Madison Wells, elected 1865. 

B. F, Flanders appointed June 6, 1867. 

Joshua Baker appointed Dec. 1867. 

H. C. Warmoth, elected 1869-1873. 

John McEnery, de jure \ 1873-1877. 

Wm. P. Kellogg, de facto S 

Francis T. Nicholls, elected 1877. 



PART II. 



GEOGRAPHY. 



CHAPTEE I. ^ 

What is G-eography ? 

What is Louz'siafta ? 

It is classed as one of the Gulf States. 

The Gulf States are those wliicli border on the Gulf of 
Mexico. Such being the case, who can tell what are the Gulf 
States besides Louisiana ? 

How z's it situated? 

Louisiana lies between parallels 28°, 50' and 33° 
north latitude, and is included between the meridian 
88^ 40' and 94^^ 10' W. from Greenwich. 

What may be said of Louisiana f 

It is, with the exception of Florida and Texas, the 
most southern of the United States. 

What is its total land area ? 

It has a total area of 40,790 square miles. 

What is its water area ? 

Two thousand three hundred and twenty-eight square 
miles, making a total, of land and water, of 43,018 
square miles. 

How many acres are included in 40,790 square miles ? 
Twenty-six million, one hundred and five thousand, 
six hundred acres. 



156 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

How many acres, therefore, does this give to a square mile ? 

Canyon tell how Loidsia7ta is bounded? 

On the north, by Arkansas along parallel 33*^ and by 
Mississippi along parallel ^V^ \ on the east, by the Mis- 
sissippi and the Gulf of Mexico ; on the south, by the 
Gulf of Mexico ; and on the west, by Texas. 

What two rivers form the boundary line o?i the east? 
The Mississippi and Pearl Eivers. 

What river forms, for more than two-thirds of the distance, 
its boimdary on the west ? 
Sabine River. 

What is its total population by the official ce?tsus taken in 
1870? 

Seven hundred and twenty-six thousand, two hun- 
dred and seventy-six, of whom 362,651 were white, and 
364,210 colored. 

What does Louisiana measure at its widest part ? 

Two hundred and ninetv miles. 

What from North to South. 
Two hundred miles. 

What is the capital of Louisiatta ? 
New Orleans. 

The Seat of Government was changed in 1850 from New 
Orleans to Baton Rouge ; and continued there until the opening 
of the Civil War. During the war, Shreveport became the Con- 
federate State Capital. After the war. New Orleans once more 
became the seat of government. 

The State Government is now administered at the State House, 
formerly the St. Louis Hotel, on St. Louis Street. 



GEOGRAPHY. 157 

CHAPTEK II. 
THE PARISHES AND THEIR SUB-DIVISIONS. 

Into what z's the State of Louisiana politically divided? 
Into Parishes. 

With what do these parishes correspond i7i other States? 
With Counties. 

Every State in the United States, with two exceptions, 
is divided into counties. The two exceptions are Louisiana and 
South Carolina. Louisiana, as we have seen, is divided into par- 
ishes. South Carolina is divided into districts. 

How many parishes are there in the State ? 
Fifty- eight. 

Name them alphabetically. 

Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, 
Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Cameron, Catahoula, Clai- 
borne, Concordia, De Soto, East Baton Kouge, East 
Carroll, East Feliciana, Franklin, Crant, Iberia, Iber- 
ville, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lafourche, Lincoln, 
Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, 
Ouachita, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Kapides, Kich- 
land, Ked Eiver, Sabine, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. 
Helena, St. James, St. John Baptist, St. Landry, St. 
Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Tensas, 
Terrebonne, Union, Vermilion, Vernon, Washington, 
West Baton Rouge, West Carroll, AYest Feliciana, Web- 
ster, Winn. 

hito how many great classes are these parishes sub-divided? 
Into five. 
How are these classes known ? 

As the Alluvial Parishes ; the Sea Marsh Par- 
ishes ; the Prairie Parishes ; the Piney Wood 
Parishes ; and the Good Upland Parishes. 



158 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

The Parishes op the State do not always fall entirely 
under one class. That would be simply impossible. Some par- 
ishes belong, in the very nature of their lands, etc., to one or more 
classes at the same time. By this, it is intended merely to give 
the prominent natural divisions into which the State is classified. 
The parishes mentioned are mainly, or wholly, of the character 
given to them. 

Name the Alluvial Parishes. 

Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Carroll, Concordia, 
Iberville, Madison, Pointe Coupee, St. James, St. John 
Baptist, St. Charles, Tensas and West Baton Rouge. 

Name the Sea-Marsh Parishes. 

Cameron, Lafourche, Jefferson, Orleans, Plaque- 
mines, St. Bernard, St. Mary, Terrebonne and Vermilion. 

Name the Prairie Parishes. 
Opelousas and St. Landry. 

Name the Piney Woods Parishes, 

Calcasieu, Catahoula, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, 
Vernon, and Winn, West of the Mississippi ; and Liv- 
ingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and 
Washington, East of that river. 

Where do the Good Upland Parishes mostly lie ? 

In North Louisiana. 

Name them. 

Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, De Soto, Jack- 
sou, Morehouse, Ouachita, Red Rivor, Sabine, Union, 
Webster, and a small part of Caldwell. 

There are also "Good Uplands " in the " Florida Parishes," 
West of the Mississippi. 

Who can tell what parishes are those known as the Florida 
Parishes? 

What parishes are called the " Attakapas Parishes " f 
Iberia, Lafayette, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Ver 
milion. 



GEOGRAPHY. 159 



QUESTIONS ON THE MAP. 

In wliat section of tlie State are the Alluvial Parishes ? 

In what section are the Sea-Marsh Parishes ? 

In what section are the Prairie Parishes ? 

In what section are the Piney Woods Parishes ? 

In what section are the Upland Parishes ? 

What are the most Jiorihem parishes ? On what State- 
Line do all these parishes border ? What are the most sout?i- 
ern parishes f Which is the most western of these ? Which 
is the most eastern ? On what body of water do they lie f 

Which is the most sotcth-easterjt parish f What great 
river e?npties through it itito the Gidf? 

What parishes border on the Mississippi State Line? 
Which is the most eastern of these ? Which the jnost western f 
Which extends the farthest south ? 

Which parishes border on the Sabine River ? Which on 
the Texas State-Line ? Which parish borders partly on the 
Sabine River, and partly o?i the Texas Li?te f 

Which parishes border on the west bank of the Mississippi 
River ? Which on the eastern f Which parish is opposite 
New Orleans ? Which parishes lie both on the east and west 
banks of the Mississippi River ? Which parish has the longest 
front on that river ? Which parish on the Mississippi River 
extettds farthest east? What parish north of the Mississippi 
State Lijze extends farthest east ? What city in Mississippi 
is opposite its most eastern point ? What town in that parish 
is nearly opposite Vicksburg ? 



160 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

CHAPTER III. 

THE ALLUVIAL PARISHES. 

ITame the Alluvial Parishes. 

What are Alluvial Parishes ? 

Those which contain alluvial or bottom lands within 
their borders. 

What are known as alluvial lajtds ? 

Lands which lie along the banks of rivers and ba3^ous. 

I?ito how many classes are these lands divided? 
Into two classes --arable alluvial lands (that is, lands 
which are fit for cultivation), and wooded alluvial lands. 

What is the character of the arable lands of Louisiana f 
They are said to be the most fertile in the world. 

Alo7ig what river do most of them lie f 
The Mississippi Kiver. 

Name some of the other priiicipal rivers with alluvial 
lands. 

The Ouachita, Black, Little and Red Rivers. 

These LANDS have been formed gradually from deposits.left by 
the sediment brought down the Mississippi and other rivers. It lias 
taken ages to make them what they are. They are always high- 
est on the banks of the streams, from which they slope off into 
the wooded lands, which are nothing but swamps. The planters 
call the lands upon the streams " front lands," and those farthest 
from them " back lands," 

There are 3,615,000 acres of arable, and 3,752,000 acres of 
wooded, alluvial lands in the State. 

What can you say of the population which inhabits this 
section ? 

It is mainly Creole, (that is, composed of those de- 
scended from the old French and Spanish settlers) and 



GEOGRAPHY. 161 

embraces most of the oldest families in the State. There 
is also a very large proportion of ^^ American" families, 
that is, families who came from other States to settle 
here. 

The population of these Parishes has always been distin- 
guished for its courtesy and high toned hospitality. No popula- 
tion in the whole country is more refined than the Creole. 

Which of the Alluvial Parishes derive their names from 
Iftdian tribes livi?ig on the soil at the time of settlement f 
Avoyelles and Tensas. 

From whom is Iberville Parish named ? Madison ? 

What is the literal tra7islation of the naine Baton Rouge ? 
Eed Stick. 

Canyon tell how the name happened to be first give?t ? 

The bark of the cypress trees — of which there were a 
great number on the spot at the time it was first visited 
— is of a reddish hue. On observing this, one of the 
party exclaimed ^^ Wouldn't that tree make a fine red 
stick ! " {baton rouge) \ and the name was at once given 
to the place. 

Two Parishes bear the name Baton Rouge. One, on the west 
bank of the Mississippi River, is called West Baton Rouge — that 
on the eastern bank, East Baton Rouge. The city of Baton Rouge, 
which is on the eastern bank, contains the State Penitentiary, the 
Lunatic Asylum and the United States Barracks. It was for many 
years the capita] of the State. 

Why is Concordia Parish so called? 

It was named in honor of the peace which, after 
many years of warfare, had been made between the 
Americans and Spaniards in that section. 

This occurred in 1795. The concord thus established pleased 



162 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

both parties. " Let us call the Parish 'Concordia,'" they said. 
And so it was done. 

The village, containing then but a few houses, was called 
Vidalia, as a tribute of respect to Vidal, the Spanish com- 
mander. 

Who were the first settlers of the Parishes of St. Charles 
and St. John the Baptist ? 

Two hundred German colonists who came from 
Alsatia, in 1720. 

What was this coast for a long time called? 
The G-erman Coast. 

What other name was sometinies given to it? 
The ** Golden Coast/*' from the extreme richness of 
its soil. 

These Germans had originally been sent by John Law, Di- 
rector of the Mississippi Company, to settle on his Arkansas lands 
But, after Law's disgrace, they abandoned Arkansas and settled in 
St. Charles and St. John the Baptist. 

QUESTIONS ON THE MAP. 

Which is the most 7iorther7t alluvial parish ? On what 
river does it lie ? Opposite what county in Mississippi is it ? 
(Issaquena County.) 

Which is the most western ? Which is the most soicthern ? 
Which is the most eastern ? What alluvial parishes border on 
the Mississippi ? Through which parishes does Ouachita River 
flow? Where does it empty? Through which does Black 
River flow? Where does it empty? Little River? Red 
River? In what State does Red River rise ? (Texas.) Through 
what parishes does its course run ? Into what river does it 
empty ? Through what parish does it empty i?ito that river ? 

What large bayou starts from the Mississippi River in As- 
cension Parish, and, passing through Assumption a7id La- 
fourche Parishes empties, 7iear Bay Mar chant, i7ito the Gulf 
of Mexico ? 



GEOGRAPHY. 163 

Bound Ascension Parish. Bound Assumption. Bound 
Avoyelles. How is Carroll bounded ? Concordia ? Iberville ? 
Madison? Pointe Couped? St. James? St. John Baptist? 
St. Charles? Tensas? West Baton Rouge? East Baton 
Rouge? On what two lakes does St. John the Baptist border? 
What does St. John the Baptist Parish form ? 

Name the chief towns i7t each. 

Name the most important towns in Louisiana, along the 
banks of the Mississippi River from the Arkansas line to its 
mouth. 



CHAPTEE IV. 

THE SEA MARSH PARISHES. 
Name the Sea Marsh Parishes. 

What are the Sea Marsh Parishes ? 
Those in which sea-marsli forms, more or less, a part 
of their surface. 

Where are most of these parishes? 
They border on the Gulf of Mexico from Pearl Eiver 
to the Sabine. 

How far does the coast marsh extend into the ijiterior ? 
To a depth varying from ten to thirty miles from the 
water-liiie of the Gulf. 

In what parish does it extend the farthest back? 
It extends so far back in Lafourche Parish as to pass 
entirely through it into St. James Parish. 

What is the general character of this sea marsh? 
It is low; subject to tidal overflow; filled with lakes; 
and crossed by numerous bayous. 



1G4 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

PV/iat results from this? 

That the coast-marsh is generally impassable. 

There are two divisions of the coast-line. The first or 
eastern division lies between Cat Island, near the mouth of Pearl 
River and Atchafalaya Bayou, which are the eastern and western 
points of the Mississippi Delta, The second section extends from 
Vermilion Bay to Sabine Lake. 

How is the eastern division of sea-marsh diversified? 
By numerous islands lying in the marsh, some of 
which are of considerable extent. 

Na7ne some of the more cultivated of these isla7ids ? 

Pecan Island, Little and Grande Ohenieres, Cheniere- 
au-Tigre, and the Buck Eidges of Cameron and Ver- 
milion. 

By what else is this division diversified? 
By numerous bays. 

Name the bays. 

Elio Bay, Barataria Bay, Timbalier Bay, Terrebonne 
Bay, Caillou Bay, Four-League Bay, Atchafalaya Bay, 
Bay of St. Bernard, Cote Blanche Bay and Vermilion 
Bay. 

State the character of the western section of the coast-li7ie ? 
It is a nearly straight beach, and has neither bays in- 
denting it nor islands lying in front of it. 

What cati you say of the bayous flowing into the Gidf? 
Except at their moutlis, which are always obstructed 
by sand bars, they are deep. 

What is to be said of the population of the Sea Marsh 
parishes ? 

Outside of the planters who live along the bayous, 
the population is very small, consisting mostly of 
hunters and fishermen. 



GEOGRAPHY. 165 



QUESTIONS ON THE MAP. 

Which is the most eastern of the Sea Marsh Parishes? 
Which extends farthest south ? Which is the most wester jt ? 
Which extends farthest north ? Which contains the mouth of 
the Mississippi River? Which includes the laf-gest city? 
Which contains the greatest number of bays ? On what two 
lakes does Orleans Parish border ? Which is the most scuth- 
er7i of these lakes ? 

Bound Cameron Parish. How is Lafourche Parish boimd- 
ed? Jefferson? Orleans? Plaquemines? St. Bernard? 
TerreboJine ? 

Name the chief towns i7i each. 

What town is opposite New Orlea?is, in Jefferson Parish ? 
Gretna. 

Algiers on tlie same bank, embraces now the Fifth District 
of New Orleans. 



CHAPTEK Y. 
THE ATTAKAPAS PARISHES. 

The Acadians. Off the east coast of the State of Maine there 
IS an island formerly known as Acadie — now called Nova Scotia. 
More than a hundred years ago, Acadie was inhabited by a pious, 
thrifty and happy population. The island had long been the sub 
ject of dispute between the French and English. It had been 
settled by the French. At last, the English, proving the stronger, 
seized the entire island. 

This was followed by a terrible persecution of the simple 
Acadians. Many of them were slain and their property was con- 
fiscated. Two hundred and fifty-three homes were burnt down 
by the English, at one time. In 1756, about six hundred and fifty 
of this unhappy people came to Louisiana. They hoped to find, 
among their countrymen on the banks of the Mississippi, an asy- 
lum where they could enjoy their homes and rear their families 



166 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

in peace. Others soon followed tliem. They were received in 
New Orleans with tenderness. Every house opened its doors to 
them. Governor Kerlerec gave a tract of land and farming uten- 
sils to each family. 

The Acadians, for the most part, settled in the Attakapas 
country. There, their descendants are still to be found — as sim- 
ple, thrifty and happy a population as that which, so long ago, 
were driven, harmless and broken-hearted from the shores of 
Nova Scotia. 

When Governor Galvez, in 1779 and 1780, called for volunteers 
against the English, none offered their services more eagerly, or 
fought more resolutely, than the descendants of the Acadians. 
(See History, Chap. XIX.) The sons could not forget the wrongs 
of their fathers, nor the tears of their mothers. 

"What parishes are known as the Attakapas Parishes? 
In what section of Louisiana are they ? 

"Which of the Attakapas Parishes are Sea-Marsh Parishes also ? 

From what is the name Attakapas derived? 
From that of a tribe of Indians that once inhabited 
the country. 

Which is the largest of the Attaka;pas Parishes? 
Vermilion. 

Which is the smallest ? 

Lafayette, it being only nineteen miles long. 

What river flows through Lafayette Parish into Ver- 
milion Parish ? 

The Vermilion River. 

What vast prairies extend on each side of the VermilioJi 
River ? 

The Opelousas and Attakapas Prairies. 

What picturesque hills are fouiid in Lafayette Parish? 
The Cote Gelee Hills. 

For what is St. Martin Parish noted? 

For possessing the finest timber in the State. 



GEOGRAPHY. 167 

What famous bayou flows through St. Ma7'tm and Iberia, 
and St. Mary Parishes ? 
Bayou Teche. 

How are the lands lying along Bayou Teche known ? 
As the Valley of Teche. 

What makes the Valley of Tiche so famous ? 
The extreme beauty of its scenery, and the great fer- 
tility of its lands. 

Where is the most beautiful scenery on Bayou Teche to be 
fouJid? 

Between the towns of St. Martinsville and New 
Iberia. 

What is the character of the Bayou below the latter point ? 

It is broader and deeper than it is above, and there 
are many large and handsome residences on its banks. 

The banks of the Teche are quite high. They average 
about eighteen feet above the water, although they reach nearly 
twenty feet at St. Martinsville, and at Breaux Bridge, twenty- 
two feet. The Teche is navigable for small steamers, about six 
months in the year. In the summer, it is rarely more than three 
feet deep, and about sixty feet broad. The branches of trees often 
hang so low over the water, that they brush the wheels of the 
steamboats as they pass. 

What do its inhabitants proudly call the Teche country? 
The ^^ Garden of Louisiana." 

By what distinguished American poet has it also been 
complimoited ? 

Henry Wads worth Longfellow. 

Mr. LoNGFEiiLOW is from Massachusetts. He is the greatest 
of American poets. 

hi what way did Professor Longfellow praise our lovely 
Teche? 

By a beautiful poem which he wrote, called *' Evan- 
geline, A Tale of Acadie." 



168 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

Evangeline is the gentle heroine of this poem. She was born 
in Acadie ; but she leaves her native country to come to Louis- 
iana in search of her lover (jfabriel, who had gone with his father 
to settle in Opelousas. IShe goes in company with her guide, the 
good Father Felician. They come down the Mississippi and, 
leaving it, pass through Bayou Plaquemine into Grande Lake, and 
that net work of bayous that lead to Bayou Teche. At length. 
Evangeline reaches Opelousas, but only to find Gabriel gone. 

Speaking of the Teche country, Longfellow says : 

" Beautiful is the laud with its prairies and forests of fruit trees, 
Under the feet a garden of flowers, and the bluest of heavens 
Bending above, and resting its dome on the walls of the forest. 
They who dwell there have named it the Eden of Louisiana." 

What peculiarity is to be observed of Iberia and St. Mary 
Parishes ? 

These parishes contain five islands of firm bluff land, 
which rise mountain-like above the vast sea-marsh. 

No SIGHT can be more welcome to the weary traveler, crossing 
the long and monotonous stretch of marsh, than that of these 
islands, as remarkable as they are quaint and beautiful. And, 
when the sun shines upon the waving grasses of the one, and the 
highlands and green trees of the other, no sight can be more 
picturesque. 

What can you say of the land of these islands? 
It is generally very rich. 

Name them going from West to East. 
Miller's Island, Petite Anse, Grande Cote, Cote 
Blanche, and Belle Island. 

Miller's Island is now called "Orange Island," on account 
of its great yield of oranges. It lies south of Lake Peigneur, and 
in a curve which has the shape of a new moon. 

The largest of these islands, Grande Cote, is not more 
than two miles across. 

Which is the chief of these islands? 
Petite Anse Island. 




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^l^Prairie 



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o Isle au Breton 



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f: 






West 



i^ 




Hit 



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A'. }'. Map .t ncUrf JAne Enu. Co 17 Warren SI. 



GEOGRAPHY, 169 

How high is its highest point ? 

One hundred and eiglity-five feet above the sea- level. 

Which is the farthest to the east ? 
Belle Isle. 

Each of these islands, witli the exception of Belle Isle, is 
separated from its neighbor by a distance of about six miles. 
Belle Isle is distant from Cote Blanche, the most easterly of the 
four, about twenty-four miles. 

For what is Petite Anse Island noted? 
For its extensive mine of rock-salt. 

This Mine is owned by Mr. Avery, who has established his 
salt works there. The salt is found between eleven and thirty 
feet below the surface of the earth. The miners have already 
worked down over sixty-five feet into the solid salt, which just 
shows itself on a level with tide water. It is supposed to extend 
hundreds of feet below the surface of the Gulf, audit has been 
found to be superior to any other salt found in the Southern 
market. 

What do you notice ijt all the parishes bordering on the 
Gulf? 

The great number of bayous, large and small, which 
cross them in every direction. 

QUESTIONS ON THE MAP. 

Which is the most southern of the Attakapas Parishes? 
What are the bays along the coast of St. Mary's Parish? 
What river, flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, forms part of 
the eastern bomidary of St. Mary's ? What lakes form aft- 
other part of its easter7t boimdary ? (P — e and G — d). In 
what Parish does Bayou Teche rise? Into what lake does 
Bayou Teche empty ? Describe its course. 

What large bayou rises i7i Red River, in Rapides Parish^ 
and ejnpties i?tto Bayou Teche ? State through what parishes 
it passes. 

8 



170 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

W/mt parish is north-west of St. Mary's? What bay 
opens partly into the coast of Iberia Parish and partly ijito 
that of Ver??iilion Parish f 

What fresh water lakes are iji VertJiilion Parish ? What 
river flows from Grande Lake in that parish, into the Gidf? 
Of what two parishes does it form partly the boundary ? Bound 
Lafayette Parish? St. Martin, Vertnilion, Iberia, and St. 
Mary's. 

Name the chief to7un in each. 



CHAPTER YI. 

THE GREAT PRAIRIE REGION. 

"The Prairie is gently rolling, like the billows of a deep 
sea. In fact, one cannot ride through the prairies without having 
their striking resemblance to large bodies of water constantly re- 
curring to his mind. The grass which grows upon their surface, 
waving in the wind, looks like ripples on the bosom of the ocean, 
the dark blue borders of woods are like distant shores, the pro- 
jecting spurs like capes and promontories, the ' coves ' like bays 
and gulfs, and the occasional clumps of detached trees like islands 
in the sea." — Dennett's ''Louisiana as it is." 

How is the great Prairie Coimtry bounded? 
On the East by Bayou Teche ; on the North by Bayou 
Cocodrie (in tiie northern part of St. Landry) ; on the 
South by the Sea-Marsh ; on the West by the Calcasieu 
and Sabine Eivers. 

Name the parishes i7t which the prairies are mostly found? 
St. Landry and a part of Calcasieu, Iberia, Cameron, 
Vermilion and St. Mary Parishes. 

How was this region formerly known? 

As the Opelousas and Attakapas Country. 



GEOGRAPHY. 171 

How are the separate parishes for jned? 

Biiyons, on which grow fine forests of trees, run 
throno-h the entire prairie section. The belts of timber, 
jutting out into the open prairies, divide it into separate 
tracts, each with its own name. 

Give the names of the prificipal of these tracts ? 
Faquetyke, Mamou, Calcasieu, Sabine, Vermilion, 
Mermentau, Phiquemines, Opelousas and Grande Prairie. 

What may be said of the climate of the Prairie Region ? 

It is deliciously cool in the summer, and mild in the 
winter, and very healthy. 

Where does it begin in St. La?tdry Parish ? 

Thirteen miles northwest of Opelousas, gradually 
opening to the southward. 

What are to be seen at all times scattered over these 
prairies ? 

Vast herds of cattle and Creole ponies. 

These are not really wild cattle. They belong to in- 
dividuals, and when they loach a certain age, they are branded 
with the initials of the owners. But, in the sweep and grace of 
their movements, and in their timidity at the sight of man, they 
seem to be nearer to the wild herds that crowd Western prairies, 
than to the civilized droves of wealthy planters. 

The Creole pony, although very small, is tough, wiry, and noted 
for great endurance. It is also famous as a racer. 

What springs does St. Landry contain ? 
Some fine mineral springs, which are much visited 
by invalids. 

QUESTIONS ON THE MAP. 

Bound St. Landry. What is the chief town ? 



172 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA, 



CHAPTER YII. 

THE PINEY WOODS PARISHES. 

Name tlie Piney "Woods Parishes. Whicli of tbem are West of 
tlie Mississippi Eiver ? "Which of them are East ? 

Why are they so called ? 

Because most of them are covered with great pine 
forests. 

What is the character of the pi7tey wood country ? 

It is quite open and lias but little underbush. 

With what is its sn7'face covered? 

"With a coarse grass, which affords a fair pasturage in 
the spring. 

What canyon say of the soil? 

It is, with few exceptions, poor and sandy. 

Of the inhabita7its? 

They are plain and honest, virtuous and hospitable. 

What spriiig is to be found in Calcasieu Parish ? 

A large mine of pure crystalline sulphur, near Lake 
Charles. 

How was the mine first discovered? 

Some parties, in boring for petroleum, accidentally 
struck the sulphur mine. 

Has petroleum beeii found yet ? 

It is well known that petroleum does exist under the 
surface ; but it has not yet been discovered. 

What is the priticipal industry in Calcasieu Parish ? 
The lumber business. 

What has resulted from this business? 
The establishment of numerous saw-mills, giving 
steady employment to a fleet of fifty or sixty schooners. 



GEOGRAPHY. 173 

Where is this lumber carried? 

To the ports of Texas and Mexico^ and the West Indies. 

It is estimated that, at least, four-fiftlis of the people of Cal- 
casieu Parish depend, in one way or another, for a living, upon 
this timber business. The recent troubles in the parish, on ac- 
count of the confiscation by the Government of Ittgs cut on the 
public lands, cannot have been forgotten. The creed of the Cal- 
casieu logmen may be summed up in these words : " You take our 
logs, you take our bread from us." 

By whom was the first settlemejit in Natchitoches Parish 
made ? 

By St. Denis, a relative of Bienville's. 

Why had St. Denis gone to that country? 
He had stopped there to see about establishing a trade 
with the Spanish colonies in Mexico. 

By whom was the region inhabited at the time? 
By the Natchitoches tribe of Indians. 

Whom did he leave to make a settlement there ? 
A few Canadians, while he proceeded on his mission 
with the remainder of his men. 

What State institution is near Alexandria ? 
The Louisiana University. 

The State University was, a few years ago, destroyed by 
fire. After that, the University was removed to Baton Rouge. 
It will be continued there until the buildings can be rebuilt. It 
was lately united with the Agricultural and Mechanical College. 

On what river is it situated? 
On Ked River. 

Describe tlie course of Eed Eiver. 

What watering places are in St. Tammany Parish ? 
Lewisburg and Mandeville. 



174 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

Which is the largest Piiiey Wood Parish f 
Calcasieu. 

Which is the smallest ? 
Grant. 

QUESTIONS ON THE MAP. 

Into what river does Red River empty ? Lt what parish is 
its month? Through what parishes does Red River first enter 
Louisiana, a7id from what State f Describe its course ? What 
river forms the boundary between Catahoula and Concordia 
parishes ? What between Catahoula and Grant ? Into what 
lake does Little River fiow and then issue ? Describe its course ? 
Into what river does Black River fiow ? 

Which is the most northern of the Piney Woods Parishes 
west of the Mississippi? Which is the mosteaster7i? Which 
is the most southern? Which the most western? What large 
lake is in Catahoula Parish ? Which city in Rapides Parish 
is on Red River ? Which in Natchitoches Parish is on the 
same river ? 

What large river fiows into, and forms a part of Black 
River iji Catahoula Parish? What river fiows into the same 
river at or near the same point ? What town is situated just 
between the two mouths ? Describe the course of the Ouachita 
River ? Which parishes does it first strike ? Of what par- 
ishes does it form the boundary ? 

What large island is to be found in Catahoula Parish ? 
How is that island formed? If by rivers what rivers ? What 
river is called Black River ?iear its mouth ? Where is the 
source of that river ? (It begins as a bayou, and springs from 
Lake Providence in Carroll Parish). 

Bound Calcasieu Parish ; Catahoula, Grant, Natchitoches, 
Rapides, Vei'non and Winn. 

Name the chief towns in each ? 

EAST OP THE MISSISSIPPI. 

Which is the most western of the Piney Woods Parishes 
east of the Mississippi? Which are the most eastern ? Which 



GEOGRAPHY, 175 

extends farthest south ? What two border on Lake Pontchar- 
train ? Which of these two has the larger extent on that lake ? 
Which two border on Lake Maiirepas? Which parish lies 
directly North of New Or leasts ? On what lakes does St. Ta7n- 
many Parish border? What is the eastern boundary of St. 
Taiftmany and Washington parishes ? From what State does 
Pearl River flow ? 

How many branches has Pearl River near its mouth? 
(Three — East Pearl, Middle Pearl and West Pearl, each having- 
its own mouth.) In what parish do these branches unite into 
one stream ? (In St. Tammany within about thirty miles from 
the mouths.) What river forms the boundary between East 
Baton Rouge a7id Livijtgstoi Parishes? What between St. 
Helena and East Feliciana? Into what body of water does 
that river flow ? 

Bound Livingston Parish, St. Helena, etc. 

Name the chief town in each. 



CHAPTER YIIL 

THE GOOD UPLANDS PARISHES. 
Name tlie Good Uplands Parishes. 

Where do the good upla7ids mostly lie ? 
In North Louisiana. 

Do they cover, or not, the e7itire surface of the parishes i7t 
which they are found ? 

They cover only the larger part of those parishes. 

Besides these parishes, what others also cofitain thon ? 

Good uplands are to be found in the eastern part of 
the two Felicianas, and in the north-eastern corner of 
East Baton Eougc. 

Why are those Parishes known as the Plorida Parishes? 



176 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA, 

What is the general character of the good tiphmds region ? 
It is extremely liilly. 

What elevation do some of the ridges attai7i f 
The highest reach a height of at least three hundred 
feet above the valleys -around them. 

How high would this make them above the Gulf of Mexico f 
Between four hundred and five hundred feet. 

What peculiar lands are to be found in Sabine, Webster, 
Claiborne, Union, and Jackson Parishes? 

Belts of land, several miles in length, known as 
^^ Red lands. ^' 

Why is this name given to these lands? 
Owing to a strong impregnation of iron, the soil is 
of a blood-red color. 

What parishes have the best cottoji land ? 

De Soto, Bossier, Caddo, and Red River Parishes. 

It was in De Soto Paktsh that two of the great battles in 
Louisiana, during the Civil War were fought. The battle of 
Mansfield, April 8, 1864, and that of Pleasant Hill, April 9, 1864. 
These places are about eighteen miles distant. Mansfield is the 
court house town of the parish; and Pleasant Hill is in the south- 
eastern part near the Sabine Parish line. 

What peculiarity do you notice about Caddo Parish ? 

The number of fresh-water lakes which, with the 
bayous running into one another, form almost as great 
a net-work of waters as in the Sea-Coast Parishes. 

Give the names of soine of these lakes. 

Caddo Lake, Sodo Lake, Cross Lake and Clear Lake. 

What curiosity is also found in Caddo Parish? 
The famous Red River Raft. 



GEOGRAPHY. 177 



THE RED RIVER RAFT. 

What ts the Red River Raft? 

It is 11 great raft of logs, big and small. 

What has made that raft ? 

The immense mass of trunks of trees and drift-wood 
which have been brought down by the rapid current, 
and have become so fastened together that they cannot 
be moved. 

Why do you call it immense? 

It is said to be lodged and pressed together for a dis- 
.taiice above Shreveport of over seventy miles. 

How is this terrible raft injurious ? 
It stops navigation, and sometimes causes great over- 
flows in the Valley. 

This Celebrated Raft is one of the wonders of Louisiana. 
On the broaa-rushin^ Mississippi, the logs may become lodged for 
a time ; but they finally get separated and float down the stream, 
some to be gathered along the banks ; some to find their way to 
the Gulf. But they never remain long enough together to form 
anything like a raft. The rafts that go down the Mississippi are 
altogether different ; for upon them are men from the great west, 
who have bound the huge logs together, and, for their own use, 
eteer their clumsy bark through the swift current. 

Those who see Red River in Louisiana, can form no idea of 
the wild and romantic scenery, in which its waters have taken 
their rise. They come from that famous, but barren table-land 
in northern Texas, known, far and wide, as El Llano Estacado 
{El Leyano Es-tah cah-do) or the " Staked Plain." Tlie Staked 
Plain is at a height of 2,450 feet above the sea-level. 

For the first sixty miles, Red River rushes through steep 
banks,from five to six hundred feet in height, forming a gorge, 
from the top of which the river beneath, starting upon its long 
journey, that can end only when it is lost in the mighty Missis- 
sippi, hundreds and liundreds of feet below, appears a quiet 
stream enouo:li. 



178 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

After whom was Morehouse Parish named? 
Mr. Morehouse was an American, to whom, in 1801, 
was ceded a grant by the Baron de Bastrop. 

What Uplands Parishes were named after Indian tribes ? 
Caddo and Ouachita Parishes. 

Tell the derivation of as many of the others as you can. 

Of what origin are most of the inhabitants of North 
Louisiana ? 

Generally of English, Scotch or Irish descent, or im- 
migrants from other States. They are an excellent class 
of people. 

Can you describe a, marked difference between South Louis- 
iana and North Louisiana f 

In South Louisiana,there are large plantations and 
few towns. In North Louisiana, there are a greater 
number of small farms and numerous thriving villages. 

QUESTIONS ON THE MAR 

Which of the Good Uplaiids Parishes border on the Ar- 
kansas State Line? Which is the most eastern of these? 

Which the most westerii ? Which extends the farthest south ? 

Which contains the greatest extent of water surface ? What 
long lake divides Bossier Parish from Bienville Parish ? 

What river forms part of the bou7idary between De Soto Par- 
ish and Texas ? Which are the first river parishes through 
which Red River enters into Louisiana ? What lake extends 
from Caddo Parish into Texas ? What other lakes are there 
in Caddo Parish ? Bound Caddo Parish ; De Soto ; Sabine ; 
Bossier; Webster ; Red River ; Claiborne ; Bienville ; Union; 

Jackson; Ouachita; Morehouse ; Caldwell; East Feliciana 
and West Feliciana. 

Name the chief towns in each. 

What other important towns are there, and in what parish ? 



GEOGRAPHY. 179 

CHAPTEE IX. 
THE BLUFF LANDS. 

What are known as the Bluff Lands ? 
High, steep lands found on the banks of the Missis- 
sippi and other rivers. 

Can you mention any Bluff Land towns alo?tg the East bank 
of the Mississippi? 

Baton Eouge, Port Hudson in Louisiana, Natchez 
and Vicksburg in Mississippi, and Memphis in Tennes- 
see, are all Blulf cities. 

Are there any o?t the West bank ? 

There are none immediately on the bank of the river, 
but some distance back. 

Into what divisions are the Bhff Lands classed? 
Into the hilly Bluff and the level Bluff. 

Name a type of the hilly Bluff in Mississippi? 
Vicksburg. 

Name representatives of the level Bhff with deep 
ravines ? 

Port Hudson in Louisiana, and Natchez in Missis- 
sippi. 

The Bluff Lands begin,in the North, in Carroll Parish. They 
pass through Carroll, Richland and Franklin ; are met with in 
Sicily Island, in Catahoula, Rapides, and Avoyelles Parishes ; and 
going southward, are to be found in Washington, Opelousas and 
St. Landry, ending in those beautiful islands rising out of the 
gloomy sea marsh. 



180 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA, 

CHAPTER X. 
LAKES. 

Into what is the lake-system of Loiusiaiia divided? 
Into salt-water and fresh- water lakes. 

In which class are the largest lakes foimd? 
The former. 

Can you give the exte7it of the lake surface of Louisiana f 
Seventeen hundred square miles. 

What does this include ? 

Both the salt-water and fresh-water lakes. 

Which is the largest of the salt-water lakes ? 
Lake Pontchartrain. 

In honor of whom was Lake Pontchartrain named ? 

Which is the next salt lake in size ? 

"Who can tell why it received its present name? 

What do the shores of these larger salt-water lakes afford? 
Most healthy and attractive homes during the sum- 
mer months. 

The pkincipal wateeing places, such as Sliieldsboro' (Bay 
St. Louis,) Pass Christian, Biloxi and Pascagoula, are along what 
is known as the Mississippi Sound, in the State of Mississippi, 
But it is well known that those on the North shore of Lake Pont- 
chartrain, in St. Tammany Parish, cannot be surpassed for pure 
air and pleasant residences. Lewisburg and Mandeville aro 
favorite watering places on that coast. 

What is to be noted in St. Bernard Parish ? 
The great number of small salt-water lakes^ which are 
to be found scattered throughout its surface. 

With what body of water do these lakes connect ? 
The Gulf of Mexico. 



GEOGRAPHY, 181 

In what parishes are to be found the largest fresh-water 
lakes ? 

In Sfc. Charles, Assumption, Iberia, Vermilion, Cam- 
eron, Catahoula, Bienville, Bossier and Caddo Parishes. 

Give the names of the principal of these lakes, and the 
Parishes i?i which they are? 

Lake des Allemands and Washa Lake St. Charles 

Verret Lake Assumption 

White Lake and Grand Lake Vermilion 

Calcasieu Lake Cameron 

Catahoula Lake Catahoula 

Lake Bistineau Bienville 

Lake Bodeau Bossier 

Saline Lake Winn 

Caddo Lake \ 

Sodo Lake V Caddo 

Cross Lake ] 

Which large fresh water lake forins the boundary between 
fefferson and St. Charles Parishes ? 

Lake Salvador, or Lake Washa, as it is more gen- 
erally known. 

Which washes portions of Iberia, St. Martin's, St. Mary, 
and AssumptioJi Parishes f 
Grand Lake. 

QUESTIONS ON" THE MAR 

SALT WATER LAKES. 

What is the most eastern great salt water lake near New 
Orleans ? Which is the most wester Ji ? Which is the centre 
lake? Is it larger or smaller than the others? If larger, is it 
larger than both of them together ? What parishes border on 
Lake Pontchartrain ? Which on Lake Maurepas? Which 
on Lake Borgne ? What strait coftnects Lakes Pontchartrain 
and Borgjie ? What pass connects them farther west ? I?tto 
what sound does Lake Borgne open ? What lake, with a bay 



182 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

of the same name, is in Terrebonjie Parish ? What lake is at 
the south-western extremity of Louisiana f What large river 
ejnpties into Sabine Lake ? How is Sabine Lake connected with 
the Gulf of Mexico? 

FRESH WATER LAKES. 

Which is the farthest north ? What lake in Caddo Par- 
ish is partly in Texas ? What lake forms the boiaidary be- 
tween Bienville and Bossier Parishes f 

What large lake in Cameron Parish reaches the boundary 
of Calcasieu ? Through what pass does that lake reach the 
Gulf? What lake in Catahoula Parish ? What lake in Bos- 
sier ? With what river does it connect by bayous on the west ? 
What bayou flows into it from a northerly direction? 



CHAPTEE XL 
BAYS. 



What parishes contain the greatest number of small bays ? 
Plaqaemines and Jefferson Parishes. 

What do these numerous bays form ? 
A larg-e portion of the southern part of these two 
parishes. 

What famous bay lies between them ? 
Barataria Bay. 

For what is this bay noted? 

For the superior oysters which ai^e found in it, and 
m the bayous flowing into it. 

Lovers of good oysters outside of Louisiana, acknowledge 
that there are no finer oysters in the country than those of Bara- 
taria Bay and vicinity, Louisianians boast that the Baratarian 
oysters have no equal anywhere. - 



GEOGRAPHY, 183 

What bays indent the stretch of land forming the inouth of 
the Mississippi? 

Blind Bay, Garden Island Bay and East Bay. 

Tfie mouth of the Mississippi may be likened in appearance 
to the leg aad claw of a chicken. The long narrow strip from 
Fort Jackson and Fort Philip is the leg ; and the different Passes 
make up a strong resemblance to the claw. 

QUESTIONS ON THE MAP. 

What part of the Gulf coast of LouisiaJia contaitts all the 
bays? In what parish does this section of bays begin from the 
east? Jjt -what parish does it end? Which is the most east- 
erly bay ? The most southerly ? The most westerly ? Which 
extends farthest to the north ? Which next? Off what par- 
ishes are these last bays ? What bays are west of Vermilion ? 

What four bays indoit Terrebonne Parish ? Which parish 
contains more bays than any other? Ho7v many are there? 
Na7Jie them ? Where is Caillou Bay ? What four bays are 
south of the Parishes of St. Mary, Iberia, and Vermilion Par- 
ishes ? Which of these parishes has the greatest bay extent ? 
Which the S7nallest ? 

By what pass are the waters of Barataria Bay and the 
Gulf conjiected? Which do you think the most ope7i bay alojig 
the coast? (C — u Bay.) Which do you think the most closed? 
(F— r L— e B.) 

What pass coniiects the waters of Timbalier Bay with the 
Gtdf? What lake unites Caillou and Terrebonne Bays ? (Lake 
Pelto.) 

Lake PEliTO is not really a lake, as it is not entirely sur- 
rounded by land. It is properly a strait connecting Caillou and 
Terrebonne Bays. There are some very fine oyster-beds in this 
lake, near Last Island. 

Which is farther east, Terrebonne or Timbalier Bay ? Is 
Caillou Bay to the east or west of them ? 



184 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

CHAPTER XII. 
ISLANDS. 

Haw may the islaiids iii Louisiana be divided? 
Into outlying islands and sea-marsh islands. 

What are the outlying islands ? 

Those which lie outside of the coast line in the Gulf 
of Mexico. 

"What are tlie sea-marsli islands ? 

Name some of the best known outlying islatids. 
Chandeleur, Errol, Grand Isle, Timbalier, and Last 
Island. 

For what is Grand Isle noted? 
For its splendid surf bathing. 

What sad story is connected luith Last Island? 
In August, 1856, one hundred lives were lost in a 
terrible storm which submerged the island. 

Before that time, Last Island had been a favorite watering 
place. 

What island lies in front of Bar at aria Bay ? 
Grande Terre Island. 

"Who can tell what made this island famous in history ? (^eo 
History, Chapter XXXVI.) 

Grand Island and the islands around it are said to be still 
inhabited by the descendants of Lafitte's men. 

This entire section was the headquarters of Lafitte and his 
companions. About here.they anchored their fleet when they had 
come from a long cruise. Here, they burned the prizes which 
they had captured. Here, they had many a wild frolic after a 
dangerous journey; and here, when they grew tired of their wild 
life, they settled down and became peaceful fishermen and hunters. 



GEOGRAPHY. 185 

Can you name a large island in the interior ? 
Sicily Island. 

In what parish is Sicily Island ? 

QUESTIONS ON THE MAP. 

Which are the most easterly islands ? What bay separates 
Chandeleur Island from the coast ? Of what Parish is that 
coast ? What sound is betwee7i Errol Island and the coast ? 

Which is farther east, Grande Terre Island or Grand 
Island? Off what parish are they ? What isla7id lies stretched 
across Timbalier Bay ? What two lie in front of Terrebonne 
Bay ? What long island lies south of Terrebon7ie Parish ? 
What lake divides it fro?n the parish ? What large islana 
lies between Vermilion Bay ajid the Bay of St. Bernard? 
What, from its name, would you judge that island to be? I?i 
what parish is Sicily Islaiid? How is it formed? In what 
parish is Honey Island? How formed? 



CHAPTER XIII. 



THE MISSISSIPPI EIVER AND THE JETTIES. 

Takinff all its bends toj^ethcr, the Missi?pippi has a lens:th of eight hun- 
dred mile's through Louisii'ina. Its great tributar}' in the State is the Red 
KiviT. Besides the Red River, it receives, in its progi'ess from its source to 
its mouth, the waters of many large tributaries. 

What is a source of pride to LouisianiaJts ? 
That it is through their State that the "Father of 
Waters," the mighty Mississippi, rushes to the Gulf. 

What can you say of this great river? 

That it pours a larger body of water, through more 
thousands of miles of country, filled with cities, towns, 
villages and farms, than any other river. 

In what does its great rival, the Amazon, differ from it? 
In this, that more than three-fourths of the course 



186 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

of that river lies tlirough pathless wilds and savage 

tribes. 

In certain seasons of the year, that is, during the late 
winter and the early spring, the Mississippi overflows the low 
banks which lie along its course, on both sides from Baton 
Rouge to its mouth. Baton Rouge is situated on the first high 
banks, or bluffs, which are to be seen in ascending the river. 

As a protection against these annual overflows, banks of earth 
called Levees, have been built all along both sides of the river. 

Sometimes, it happens that the high waters break through 
these banks. This is what is called a Crevasse — a French word 
which means a breaking or piercing through — and which often 
destroys a vast amount of property before it can be stopped. In 
the spring of 1874, thirty-one parishes were overflowed. 

THE JETTIES. 

Is the Lowe}' Mississippi much troubled from want of 
water? 

JSTever much, save at its mouth. 

What is the matter at the mouth ? 

The immense amount of mud and sand, carried down 
by the current for thousands of miles, meeting the waters 
of the Gulf, is brought to a sudden check, and settles in 
the different Passes at the mouth. 

How many passes are there ? "What do they resemble ? 

In what does this result ? 

The water has, through long years, become too 
shallow for the passage of large ships. 

Have efforts ever bee7t made to deepe7t the water at the 
mouth ? 

Often ; and millions of dollars have been spent upon 
experiments. 

With what success ? 

Not much, until lately. All but one of the Passes 
became closed. 



GEOGRAPHY, 187 

Can you name the Pass that reuijciined open? 
The South-west Pass. 

Is the South-west Pass still open f 

Yes, it is still used by the largest vessels ; but 
scientific men say that the water in that Pass is getting 
shallower and shallower every day. 

Has any attempt been 7nade to open one of the other Passes ? 
There has been one made to open the South Pass. 

Who has taken charge of this work ? 
Captain James B. Eads. 

What work has Capt. Eads constructed? 
One that he calls the "Jetties." 

Describe the Jetties. 

The Jetties consist of two parallel rows of piling, 
driven into the mud twelve feet apart. These rows are 
planked strongly on the inside. Then they are filled with 
small willow trees, lashed together, and generally called 
" mattrasses," — and with stones and rocks and earth. 

What do these two rows make ? 
Two artificial banks. 

How far are the banks apart? 
One thousand feet. 

How far do they extoid? 

Two and a half (2|-) miles, from deep water in the 
river, to deep water in the Gulf. 

How can you describe the effect of these banks ? 
They keep the mud and the sand from being scat- 
tered about in the water, and bring them within a nar- 
row space for the swift current to play upon them, and 
to wash them awav into the Gulf. 



188 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

The Mass of Mud and Sand between these strong banks is 
about nine hundred feet wide. With the fierce current of the Mis- 
sissippi — the Giant, as it is the Father, of Rivers — playing upon 
it, stirring it round and round, and washing it out, it is believed 
that it will be swept out of the Pass as fast as it is brought into it. 

Already vessels, drawing twenty-one feet, have passed suc- 
cessfully through the South Pass. The best judges have no 
doubt of the final success of Captain Eads' Jetties. 



CHAPTEE XIY. 
BAYOUS. 



What is one of the most marked features of Louisiana 
scenery ? 

The great number of bayous to be found within its 

limits. 

» 
What is this 7ianie of " bayou " ? 

A French word given by the earliest French settlers. 

Un Boyau^ a gut, an intestine. Corrupted by the early and 
ignorant settlers of the colony of Louisiana into "bayou. The word 
gut, as a leader, a vehicle, a conductor, is found in most perfected 
languages. We find it especially in the gut, or bayou of Skeg- 
gereck, or Kategut. 

Owing to the almost inextricable net-work of streams, 
scattered throughout the State, it is not strange that this word has 
been given a special meaning. There is no water-course in any 
State — except, perhaps, Florida — precisely like the Louisiana 
bayous. Settlers from other States never saw, in their old homes, 
anything nearer to them than their creeks ; and " creeks " are not 
" bayous." 

Along the banks of bayous — which are not very far apart, 
either, as a rule — the trees seem, somehow, to be thicker, and 
their branches to lean more lovingly over the water flowing be- 
neath them. Sometimes, these branches meet in a thick arch, 
through the leaves of which the sun, even at mid-day, cannot 
shine. Everything is strange here — everything is mysterious, at 



GEOGRAPHY, 189 

the broadest noon. And, when the darkness of night comes on, 
and there are belated travelers passing on through the blackness 
from one bayou into another, the scene seems to become, at once, 
solemn as well as mysterious. The same scenes and sounds are 
there ; the same great trees rise close to the banks ; the same 
ghostly moss hangs, high and low, in the air, from the big 
branches ; the same cranes — now mostly asleep — are still standing, 
who can tell ? one leg in the water ; and the same roar of the 
sleepless alligator is heard thundering from every side — but all of 
these appear, in some way, to have changed. Night has fallen 
upon the bayous. 

What can you say about the depth of the bayous ? 
It is not the same at different times of the year. 

How is that ? 

They are shallow during the dry season ; but when 
the rains fall, and in the early spring, they often over- 
flow their banks. 

What precautio7t has been takejt agaittst such overflows ? 
The building of levees along the banks. 

A Levee is an artificial bank of earth — that is, a bank 
raised by men on the low grounds lying along rivers and bayous, 
to protect their waters from overflowing them. These levees, of 
course, are always much higher than the ground itself. Some- 
times, the waters happen to break through them. Then, there is 
what is called a credasse. And, before the hole made by this cre- 
vasse is filled up, an immense loss of property and stock, and ruined 
fields and cropsjs the result. 

Is the current of bayous stro7ig or slow ? 
It is both. 

What do you fnean by that ? 

It is slow or sluggish when the bayou is low. 

Suppose that the bayou is high ? 

It, then, generally runs strongly in the direction of 
the stream in which it happens to flow. 



190 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

Are all the bayotis navigable to steamboats in the high- 
water season ? 

Very few of them are. 

Najne some of them that are navigable. 

The Lafourche, Courtableau, Oypremort, and 
Teche Bavous. 

Yoii have said, have you not, that a bayou must Jlow from 
some other stream ? 

Yes ; it is never fed by springs. 

Of what character may such streams be ? 
They may flow from a river, or a lake, or from another 
bayou. 

Can you mention two bayous flowing from a river? 
Bayou Plaquemii^es and Bayou Lafourche. 

The Plaquemines leaves the Mississippi about twenty-two 
miles below Baton Rouge. The Lafourche leaves the same 
river about thirty miles before that point. 

Who of the class can give an idea of the course of these hayous ? 
Into what streams do they flow ? 

What pectdiarity may be noticed about Bayou Lafourche ? 
It receives no tributary streams. 

What do you niea7i by that ? 

I mean that no other stream flows into it. 

Does that mean that there are no sir ea7ns flow ijtg from it ? 
Not at all ; because bayous flow from it all its length. 

Well the?i, what is your idea of really " tributary streaiiis ? " 
Those that add water to a stream, in other words, 
pay tribute to it. 

I:n the old days of the world, " tribute " was a sum, large or 
small, paid by an inferior to his superior lord. As every stream 



\ 



GEOGRAPHY. 191 

that runs into another stream adds water to that stream, it is the 
custom to call it a ''tributary." In other words, the stream that 
runs into another renders tribute to it. 

Can you mention a bayou formed by the j miction of two 
bayous ? 

Bayou Oourtableau. 

By the Junction of what two bayous is Bayou Courtableau 
formed ? 

By that of Bayous Cocodrie and Bceuf. 

This name of Cocodrie is supposed to be a corruption of 
the French word crocodile, the same as our English word 
" crocodile." 

Can you give the name of a bayou flowing from a lake ? 

What do you obse?'ve i?t regard to some bayous ? 
Some of them are long and deep, and broad enough 
to be often called ^-rivers." 

Name some of those streams called either " bayous " or 
** rivers."' 

The Atchafalaya, Lafoueche, Bceuf, and 
MA90X. 

Describe the course of the Atcbafalaya. 

Describe that of the Bceuf. 

Describe that of the Macon. 

> 

You have mentioned Bayou Boeuf : what peculiarity do you 

observe about this name ? 

Several streams in the State bear the same name. 

Ca7i you tell how many bayous of the same name there are ? 
There are at least three Bayous Bceuf. 

Which is the ?nost southern of these ? 
That which is formed from several streams that rise 
east of Lake Palourde. 



192 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

"Where is Lake Palourde ? 

Is this Bayou Boeuf as zjnportattt as the others ? 
It is not ; it is scarcely important enough to he put 
on the map. 

Where is the second Bayou Bceuf? 

It begins in Eapides Parish, runs through a part of 
St. Landry, and, while still in that parish, with the aid 
of Bayou Oocodrie, forms Bayou Courtableau. 

Where is the third Bayou Bceuf? 
In the Northern part of the State. 

Describe its course. 

After crossing the Arkansas Line, it finally flows into 
the Ouachita River. 

This Bayou Bceuf is really a river, and it is generally so 
called. From its source in the Arkansas Lakes to its junction 
with the Ouachita, its length is nearly two hundred and forty 
miles. 

You have said that several streams bear this same name of 
Bayou Bcsufy although one of them, at least, is a river ; what 
does the differejice existing between them show ? 

The very vague idea that the early settlers had of 
what was really a bayou. 

The Ma^on is another instance of a stream — really a river — ■ 
often classed as a bayou. The Maqon issues from the large lakes 
in Arkansas, and receives, in its course towards the South, many 
other outlets — particularly, the Tensas. After the junction of 
these two streams, east of Sicily Island, they take the name of 
the Tensas River. 

Who ca7i tell i7i what parts of Louisia7ia the bayous seej}i to 
be most tizimerous ? 

As a rule, in South-western and North-western 
Louisiana. 



GEOGRAPHY, 193 

What, after thinkittg a little about the matter, would you 
call the deepest and broadest bayous? 

Those flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, or the lakes 
near the Gulf. 

You have seen how close a net-work the bayous make in 
some parts of your State ; now, what do you think are the uses 
of bayous f 

First, their waters give fish for all living upon their 
banks. 

What other use have they f 

They enable the inhabitants to pass easily from one 
point to another, and to convey their merchandise upon 
their waters. 

These are two uses : Who ca7t tell the third? 

The lands along the bayous are generally alluvial. 

And, if " alluvial y what must those lands be? 

Among the most fertile and the richest in the State. 

This Chapter has not tried to give more than an idea of the 
remarkable system of waters (known as Bayous) to be found in 
the State of Louisiana. Their real character — their real number 
— their real importance, contain enough points of interest to make 
up a large volume. Audubon has written eloquently of the 
" birds of Louisiana." Some day, a man — as great in his work 
as Audubon was in his — will tell the story of the bayous of 
Louisiana. 

9 



» # »' 



194 



HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 



POPULATION OF LARGE CITIES, TOWNS 
AND VILLAGES IN LOUISIANA. 



(Census of 1870.) 



Name of City, Town or Village. 

New Orleans 

Baton Rouge 

Shreveport 

Monroe 

Thibodaux 

Donaldsonville 

Opelousas 

Plaquemines 

Natchitoches 

New Iberia 

Franklin 

Alexandria 

St. Martinsville 

Morgan City 

Clinton 

Jackson 

Vermilionville 

Amite City 

Washington 

Bastrop 

Gretna 

Houma 

Lake Providence 

Mansfield 

Ijake Charles 

Bonnet Carre 

Bayou Sara 

Trenton 

Farmerville 

Covington , 

Convent ,,.... 

Abbeville 

Homer 

Pineville 

Waterproof 

Delta 

Minden 



Where situated. 
Mississippi River. . 

Red River 

Ouachita River. . . . 
Bayou Lafourche. . 
Mississippi River. . 
Bayou Bellevue . . . 
Mississippi River. . 

Cane River 

Bayou Teche 



Red River.. . . 
Bayou Teche. 
Morgan R. R. 
Inland 



Near Vermilion River. 

Jackson R. R 

Bayou Boeuf 

Inland 

Opposite New Orleans 
Bayou Terrebonne. . . . 

Mississippi River 

Inland 

Lake Charles 

Mississippi River 



Ouachita River 

Inland 

Near the Chefunctee. 
Mississippi River. . . . 

Vermilion River 

Inland 

Red River 

Mississippi River. . . . 



Inland , 



Population. 

. 191418 

. 6498 

. 4650 

. 1949 

. 1922 

. 1573 

. 1546 

. 1460 

. 1401 

. 1400 

. 1265 

. 1218 

. 1190 

. 1000 

. 1000 

934 

925 

910 

907 

900 

900 

875 

850 

813 

800 

725 

675 

600 

600 

585 

550 

545 

525 

525 

525 

500 

500 



QEOGRAPHT, 



195 



TABLE OF PARISHES WITH THEIR POPU- 
LATIONS (ACCORDING- TO THE CENSUS 



OF 1870). 



Ascension 

Assumption 

Avoyelles 

Bienville 

Bossier 

Caddo 

Calcasieu 

Caldwell 

Cameron 

Carroll 

Catahoula , 

Claiborne 

Concordia 

De Soto 

East Baton Rouge. 
East Feliciana . . . . 

Franklin 

Grant 

Iberia 

Iberville 

Jackson 

Jefferson 

Lafayette 

Lafourche 

Livingston 

Madison 

Morehouse , 



11,577 

13,234 

12,926 

10,636 

12,675 

21.714 

6,783 

4,820 

1,591 

10,110 

8,475 

20,240 

9,977 

14,962 

17,816 

13,499 

5,078 

4,517 

9,042 

12,347 

7,646 

17,767 

1.0,388 

14,719 

4,026 

8,600 

9,387 



Natchitoches 

Orleans 

Ouachita 

Plaquemines 

Point Coupee 

Rapides 

Richland 

Sabine 

St. Bernard , 

St. Charles 

St, Helena 

St. James 

St. John Baptist. . . . 

St. Landry 

St. Martin 

St. Mary 

St. Tammany 

Tangipahoa 

Tensas 

Terrebonne 

Union 

Vermilion 

Washington 

West Baton Rouge. 

West Feliciana 

Winn 



18,265 

191,418 

11,583 

10,552 

12,981 

18,015 

5.110 

6,496 

3,553 

4,867 

5,423 

10,152 

6,762 

25,558 

9,370 

13,860 

5,586 

7,928 

12,419 

12,451 

11,685 

4,528 

3,330 

5,114 

10,499 

4,954 



Total of Population of State 726,915 



196 



HISTORY OF LOUISIANA, 



TABLE OP PRINCIPAL ISLANDS, LAKES, 
RIVERS AND BAYOUS IN LOUISIANA. 





ISLANDS. 




Au Breton. 


East Timbalier. 


Sable. 


Au Pied. 


Grand. 


Shell. 


Batledor. 


Grande Terre. 


St. Johns. 


Bird. 


Ma9ons. 


Timbalier 


Caillou, 


Marsh. 


Vidal. 


Chandeleur. 


Profit. 


Vine. 


Coopers. 


Rabbit. 





Arthur. 

Bayou Pierre. 

Bistineau. 

Black Lake (3)- 

Bodeau. 

Borgne. 

Caddo. 

Caillou. 

Calcasieu. 

Canhisnia (2). 

Catahoula. 

Charles. 

Chicot. 

Cross. 

De Corde. 

Des Allemands. 



LAKES. 

Fields. 

Grand (2). 

Grass. 

Jatt. 

Lery. 

Little. 

Long. 

Maurepas 

Mechant. 

Mill. 

Moreau. 

Mud (2). 

Natchez (2). 

Oskibe. 

Palourde. 

Pearl, 



Peigneur. 

Pontchartrain, 

Quitman's. 

Round. 

Sabine. 

Saline. 

Sancosan. 

Sodo. 

Spanish. 

Swan. 

Tasse. 

Verret. 

Wallace's. 

Washa (or Salvador.) 

White. 





GEOGRAPHY. 


] 




RIVERS. 




Amite. 


Dugdemona. 


Red. 


Atchafalaya. 


Little. 


Sabine. 


Black. 


Ma9on. 


Tangipahoa. 


Boeuf. 


Mermenton. 


Tensas. 


Calcasieu. 


Mississippi. 


Tickfaw. 


Cane. 


Ouachita. 


Vermilion. 


Cliefunctee. 


Pearl. 

BAYOUS. 




Black Bayou. 


De Large. 


Nezpique. 


Black Lake Bayou. 


Des Allemands. 


Plaquemine. 


Blue Bayou. 


Grand Caillou. 


Petit Caillou. 


Bodeau. 


Grossetete. 


Phalia. 


Boeuf. 


Lacassane. 


Queue de Tortue. 


Courtableau. 


Lafourche. 


Saline. 


Dorchite. 


Lauacoco. 


Teche. 


De Glaize. 


Majon. 


Terrebonne. 



197 



PART III. 



PRODUCTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

What are the products of a State f 
Whatever that State produces. 

What is understood by this definition f 

All that is produced upon its soil, or below its surface. 

Under this head of products (altliough not strictly belong- 
ing to them) are generally included all tlie varieties of its animals, 
wild or tame — the birds in its woods, and the fishes in its waters. 

Name sofne of the products of Louisiana produced upon the 
soil. 

Sugar-cane, cotton, rice, indigo, tobacco, hay, wheat, 
rye, fruits, and vegetables. 

What do you also include in this class? 
The splendid growth of forest trees for which Loui- 
siana is famous. 

Name what you consider as produced below the surface. 
Minerals, such as salt, sulphur, gypsum, etc. 

What can be said of the productive capacity of the soil of 
Louisiana ? 

It is acknowledged to be greater than that of any 
other State in the Union. 

What renders it so ? 

The wonderful fertility of its alluvial lands — the rich- 
est in the world. 

What are known as alluvial lands ? 

What used to be the most valuable product, when Louisiana 
was a French a?td Spanish colony ? 
Indigo. 



202 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

When did its value begin to diminish ? 
When it was seen that the cultivation of sugar-cane 
would be more profitable than that of indigo. 

Indigo is now cultivated to a limited extent only, and princi- 
pally in the Attakapas Parishes. 



CHAPTER II. 
SUGAE. 



In wliat year was tlie sugar-cane first introduced into Loui- 
siana ? 

From what place was it brought ? By whom ? 

"Was it successfully cultivated at tliat time ? If not, why ? 

"When and by whom was it successfully cultivated finally? 

What is the sugar-ca7ie regarded ? 

As the most valuable product of Louisiana. 

Hoiv do Louisiana sugar and molasses stand in the markets 
of the world ? 

They are unmistakably admitted to be superior to any 
other. 

Are all the sugar-lands in Louisiana fit for the cultivation 
of the sugar-cafte f 

Only a very small part of them are. 

To what is this owing ? 

To the want of hands to work all the cane-growing 
lands. 

What would Louisiatta, if properly cultivated, be capable 
of producing ? 

All the sugar-cane and molasses needed in the United 
States. 



PRODUCTS. 203 

As A PROOF of bow small is tlie amount of Louisiana sugar 
actually used in the country, it was estimated that, for the year 
1874, the United States consumed : 

Domestic Sugars 48,500 tons 

Foreign " .. 661,869 " 

Domestic Molasses. . . 8,699,990 gals. 

Foreign " 3,950,627 " 

Where is the best stigar-cane raised? 
In the Alluvial Parishes, although it also grows well 
in the Sea-Marsh Parishes. 

Which is the great sugar-raisijig parish? 
St, Mary's. 

What others follow St. Mary in order in the crop of 1 876 } 
Assumption, Ascension, St. James, Iberville, Terre- 
bonne, Lafourche, Plaquemines, and St. John the 
Baptist. 

» ♦ ^ 

CHAPTER III. 
COTTON. 

In what parishes are the best cotton lands found f 
De Soto, Caddo, and Red River Parishes. 

Along what river are jnost of these lands f 
Red River. 

Where is the cotton belt of the Soicthern States? 
About thirty-two degrees North. 

What is understood by the terni ^' true cotton belt " ? 
A line below which cotton cannot be successfully 
cultivated, but above which it cannot be grown. 

The Teche Countky, however, is an exception to this. Al- 
though below the cotton belt, its fertile soil produces superior 



204 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

cotton. But there is nothing to wonder at in this ; for is not the 
Teche country the " Garden of Louisiana?" 

What species of cottoti can be cultivated below it ? 
The species known as Sea Island cotton. 

The great State for the cultivation of Sea Island cotton is 
South Carolina. It is one of the most valuable products of that 
State. In Louisiana the production is limited. 

Where does the Sea Island cotto7t grow f 
In the various Sea-Marsh Islands near the Gulf of 
Mexico. 

How is cotton planted? 

In rows extending the whole len^^th of the field. 

What is the usual distance between these rows ? 
Between two and a half to three feet. 

Does the cotton plant grow to the sajne height everywhere f 
No, it vai'ies, according to the soil, from four to six, 
and, even seven, feet. 

The cotton is generally ready for picking in July. It 
is taken to the gin-house where it is ginned and then pressed into 
bales, then sent to the cities, where it is again pressed and made 
into still smaller bales. The average price for a bale of cotton is 
fifty dollars. Like that of sugar, the cultivation of cotton has 
much diminished since the war. In 1860, the cotton crop num- 
bered 777,738 bales. In 1876, it reached nearly 300,000. It is in- 
creasing, however, every year. 

What new industry has recently been started in New 
Orleans? 

The manufacture of cotton seed oil. 

From what is the oil manufactured f 
From the cotton seed after the cotton is picked from 
it. This was formerly thrown away as useless 

What is the process ? 

The oily cotton seeds are submitted to a strong pres- 



PRODUCTS. 



205" 



sure by powerful machinery, until a valuable and pleasant 
smelling and tasting oil is obtained. 

For what zs this oil useful? 

In a purified state, it is employed for -vvliat all other 
kinds of oils and fats are useful. 

The production of this oil has been advancing steadily. 
Large quantities are annually exported from New Orleans to 
Europe. 



CHAPTER lY. 
KICK 

What culture has rapidly Increased wzthz'n late years ? 
That of rice. 

Where is rice principally produced ? 

In the alluvial and Attakapas Parishes. 

The following Parishes produced the largest quantity of 
Rice for the year 1874-5 : Plaquemines, Lafourche, and St. 
Charles. Total crop of the State, 104,415 barrels. 

What does rice most need for a healthy growth ? 
Plenty of water and a proper system of drainage. 

Where does rice grow best ? 

In low and wet lands — lands too low and wet for corn, 
cotton, or sugar-cane. 

When is it planted? 

The planting season extends through March and 
April into May. 

How long docs the crop take to mature ? 
In four months or less. The harvest is generally in 
August. 



206 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

Describe how the rice is cultivated? 

When the rice has sprouted, the field is flooded, and 
the water is alloAved to cover it several weeks. Then it 
is drained off. It is flooded a second time ; and when it 
is drained off again, the rice is ready for reaping. 

What will an acre produce in rice ? 

Seven barrels are a good average for a flooded crop. 

How many pounds does a barrel hold ? 
A barrel contains two hundred and thirty pounds of 
clean rice. 

The E.TCE as it is taken from the field is called " TOugh rice." 
It is taken to the mill where it is cleaned for one cent a pound. 
Rough rice weighs only one hundred and sixty-two pounds to the 
barrel. There are nearly twenty rice-mills in the State — most of 
them being situated in Plaquemines Parish, which is a very pro- 
ductive rice parish. 



CHAPTER Y. 



FRUITS. 

What can be said of Louisiana as a fruit growing State f 
That she can grow almost every fruit that is to be 
found in more northern States. 

What else viay be said of her? 

That many fruits which belong only to the tropics 
grow well on her soil. 

Into what kinds aj'e they divided? 

Into cultivated fruits and wild fruits. 

Name some of thefornter. 

Japan plums, figs, oranges, cherries, peaches, grapes, 
pears, olives, dates, almonds, pine-apples, citrons, ba- 



PRODUCTS. 207 

nanas, lemons, limes, shaddocks, strawberries, and the 
Chinese quince. 

JSFajne some of the latter. 

Dewberries, blackberries, mulberries, chinquapins, 
wild strawberries, and the excellent muscadine grape, or 
black scuppernong. 

What beautiful evergreeJiy as large as the orange, blossoms 
in the fall? 

The Mespihis, or Japan plum tree. 

This is a fine plum, yellow, and of a pleasant acid taste. 

What is the best soil for grapes? 
The soil of the pine-lands. 

What section of Louisiana is best adapted to fruit growing ? 
The Coast Parishes. 

ORAN"GES. 

What is the most valuable fruit of Louisiana f 
The orange. 

What term has been given to the orange ? 
The ^' Queen of Fruits." 

What varieties are there of oranges in Louisiana f 
Nine, tlie principal of which are the sweet, sour, 
myrtle, mandarin and Brazilian. 

The Orange Tree is an evergreen. There is nothing prettier 
in the woods in mid-winter than its leaves of rich deep green. 
The spring brings no purer flowers in her train than its white 
blossoms, nor the autumn any richer ornament than its golden 
fruitage. 

Which are the best orange parishes ? 
St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Orleans, Jefferson, St. 
Charles, St. John Baptist, St. James, Assumption, 



208 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Mary, Iberia, Vermilion, 
Cameron and Sabine. 

When do trees generally begin bearing? 
When they are six or seven years old. 

When are they considered to be full grown? 
When they are about twelve or fifteen years old. 
They are productive to a good old age. 

What is the usual yield of a full grown healthy tree? 
From three to five thousand oranges. 

A FLOXJK BAKREL "WILL HOLD from three to four hundred 
oranges. On the trees, oranges generally sell at ten dollars a 
thousand. The largest orchards produce over three million 
oranges yearly, at a market value, therefore, of thirty thousand 
dollars to the owner. The average orange crop of the State 
amounts to about seventy thousand barrels. 

How many orange trees are planted to 07ie acre ? 
From one hundred to one hundred and twenty-five 
trees are planted. 

How far are they planted apart? 
From fifteen to twenty feet apart. 

How many acres of orange trees are there in the State ? 
Probably fifteen hundred acres. 

The demand throughout the country for Louisiana oranges 
is greater than the supply. Her best oranges are considered 
sweeter and more luscious than those that come from Cuba. 

FIGS. 

What native fruit of Louisiana should rank ?text in value 
to the orange ? 
The Fig. 

Why is it of less value than the orange ? 
Because, like many of the tropical fruits, they soou 
turn acid, and cannot stand transportation. 



PRODUCTS. 209 

How many varieties are cultivated in Louisiana ? 
Twolve or fifteen. 

Which variety is considered the best f 
The celeste or sugar fig. 

How jnany crops does the fig tree bearf 
Three, the second only is valuable. 

How long does the fig tree bear fruit ? 
For fifty years, and sometimes more. 

The Fig is one of the most prolific of fruits and in dry, settled 
weather attains its greatest perfection. 

Every morning, during the season, this fruit, cool from the 
night dews, can be gathered fresh for the breakfast table. 

GRAPES. 

What can you say of the native grapes of Louisiana ? 
Many of them are highly prized. The Eed Eiver 
grape of this State has been introduced into France. 

What lands are specially adapted to grape culture? 
The pine lands. 

What two varieties are inore extensively cultivated in 
Louisiana than others? 

The Scuppernong and the Muscadine. 

The Scuppernong is cultivated from the Gulf to the Ohio 
River, and succeeds in almost any soil. With proper care, a single 
vine will produce enough fruit, and furnish enough wine, for a 
family. 

BANAN'AS. 

How do bananas flourish in Louisiana ? 
They do well in the latitude of New Orleans and, 
when the winter is mild, as high up as thirty degrees. 

At what season do they ripen ? 
In the month of October. 



210 SISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

CHAPTER YL 

FORESTS. 

What do you know of the Louisiana forests? 
They are always magnificent, and include many vari- 
eties of stately trees and beautiful vines. 

Where is the principal forest growth to be found? 
From the open prairie near the Teche, to the Atcha- 
falaya, the eastern limits of St. Martin. 

What valuable timber is to be fou7td in the Atchafalaya 
swajjtps ? 

Millions of cypress trees, tall and straight. Many of 
them are from three to four feet in diameter. 

How is this forest wealth made available? 
It is cut and floated out, by means of rafts, for the use 
of saw-mills along the MississijDpi Eiver. , 

Are there many other iinportant trees to be found in our 
forests ? 

Yes, nearly all that are valuable for commercial pur- 
poses, and many others which give the charm of romance 
to our scenery. 

Mention so7ne that are articles of commerce. 
Stout oaks, of numerous varieties, lofty pines, grace- 
ful willows, rapid-growing chinas, stately beeches, valu- 
able ashes, enduring catalpas^and many others. 

Which are the trees that have so often figured in rojnance 
and poetry ? 

The stately magnolia with its large, creamy blossoms, 
the fan-like palmetto, beautiful elms, gloomy cedars and 
the shadowy, moss-hung cypress. 



PRODUCTS. 211 

What tree is most valuable in the Louisiana kitchen f 
The sassafras tree, from the leaves of which the Cre- 
oles make their celebrated '^ gombo " powder. 

What is a marked feature of Louisiana forests? 
The drifting, clinging, funereal Spanish moss, — 
which embraces a tree only to kill it. 

Where is this moss pri?tcipally found ? 
All over South-western Louisiana, in the cypress 
swamps or along their borders. 

How does this moss affect the landscape ? 
It shuts out all brightness, and gives a gloomy, weird- 
like aspect to the scene, even at noon. 

Does this moss ever grow upon a dead tree ? 
No, when the tree dies the moss turns black, as 
though mourning for its mother, and drops off. 

How does the moss benefit the swamp ? 
By absorbing the poisonous elements, it purifies the 
surrounding air. 

The Spanish moss is an article of great commercial impor- 
tance to Louisiana. The best moss comes from the Atcliafalaya 
basin. There, the woodmen, in canoes, push their way through 
the bayous, gloomy even at mid-day, and gather it from the trees 
by means of long poles armed with hooks. It is then cured and 
dried, packed in bales and sent to the city factories, where it is 
prepared for final shipment. 

Moss is sent from New Orleans to all parts of the United 
States, and even across the ocean to Europe. 

What peculiarity of waters is to be observed in connection 
with the forests of Louisiana ? 

They are crossed in every direction by navigable 
bayous. 

What purpose do these bayous serve ? 
They serve as natural drains for the land, and add to 
the picturesque beauty of the forests. 



212 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA, 

CHAPTER YII. 
imOR INDUSTRIES. 

SILK WORMS. 

What minor industry is practised in Louisiana? 
The culture of silk worms. 

What are silk luorms ? 

Small caterpillars, that spin a curious covering of silk. 

What are these coverings called? 
Cocoons. 

What becomes of the caterpillars ? 

They are killed after reaching a certain age, in order 
to rob them of their silk. 

Why are they not allowed to live ? 

Because, in trying to get out of the cocoon, they cut 
it into little bits and so spoil the silk. 

What do the worms live on ? 
Mulberry leaves. 

Is the raising of silk worms profitable ? 
Yes, for an ounce of their eggs is worth more than 
their weight in gold. 

Who first turned their attention to the raising of silk worms 
in Louisiana ? 

The early French settlers. 

Where is the business most extensive ? 
In France and Italy. 

How does the Louisiana silk worm compare with that of 
France and Italy ? 

It is larger, more valuable, and free from disease. 



PRODUCTS. 213 

The silk wokm comes from China. The Chinese were the 
first people to engage in the manufacture of silk from the worms. 
A monk of the eleventh century, it is said, got a few worms from 
China. He obtained, also, some of the secrets regarding their 
culture. 



CHAPTEE YIII. 
THE WILD BEASTS, GAME AND FISHES. 

WILD BEASTS. 

What wild beasts are to be found in Louisiana ? 
Several very large and fierce — such as bears, wolves, 
panthers, and wild cats. 

Naine some of the smaller animals. 
Hares, rabbits, squirrels, opossums, muskrats, minks 
and raccoons. 

How many varieties are there of squirrels f 
Four. 

Can you name them? 

Grey, red, black, and flying squirrels. 

What two animals are found near water-courses? 
The beaver and the otter. 

BIKDS. 

What can you say of the feathered game of the State? 
It is remarkably abundant. 

What are the most famous, and the most highly prized? 

Wild turkey, wild geese, brent, woodcock, partridge, 
prairie-quail, pheasant, paillenqueue, papabotte, cherook, 
grostete (big head), snipes, groshechs (big beaks), robins, 
rails, blue and white cranes, flamingoes, and herons. 



214 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

What are the best-known varieties of the duck ? 
The canvas- back, the mallard, the blue-and- green 
wing, black, and teal. 

These ahe the big birds. The woods are full of tlie little 
ones. They are full of the sweetest songsters — known only to the 
children of the city as sad prisoners in gilded cages. That King 
of Nature's Orchestra — the Mocking Bird — is at home, is free, there. 
Around him are scores of his feathered mates, whom he first mad- 
dens by his mimicry, and then charms by his music. There, too, 
are birds of the brightest colors, flitting airily from branch to 
branch, and making the green woods look gay and happy as they 
flash by. 

What great naturalist has treated of the birds of America f 
Jeak Jacques Audubok. 

Audubon was born near New Orleans in 1780. When still a 
boy, he learned to love the little birds. When he grew to be a man 
he thought that he would write about them. He published a book. 
It was a great work. What struck the world with mingled won- 
der and admiration was to see that Audubon had given, in his 
book, an exact picture — in size, shape, and color of its feathers — 
of every bird, large and small, that sang, twittered, hopped and 
flew in the forests of Louisiana, or swam in its rivers and 
streams. 

What has made Audubon i?n?nortal? 

No man, before him, had ever succeeded so perfectly 
in bringing the birds, just as they are, out of the woods 
into a book. 

Audubon's great work costs too much to be bought by 
everybody. It is found in most of the public libraries of the 
country; and, now and then, in the larger private libraries. 

FISHES. 

Into how many classes may the fishes of Louisiana be di- 
vided? 

Into salt-water and fresh-water fishes. 



I 



PRODUCTS. 215 

What are those known as salt-water fishes f 
Those found in the Gulf of Mexico and the salt-water 
lakes. 

Where are the fresh-water fishes found? 
In the rivers, bayous and fresh water streams of the 
State. 

Can you 7tame the principal salt-water fishes ? 

Eed fish, the sheephead, the Spanish mackerel, the 
croaker, flounder, sand-digger, black mullet, sometimes 
called "ground mullet," black drum, and trout. 

What highly-prized fish is found among them ? 
The pompano. 

The Pompano has a world-wide fame. Strangers visiting 
New Orleans do not like to leave the city without having tasted, 
at least once, this delicious fish. It comes in the spring, and is 
caught for a few weeks only. The first pompano in the market 
is eagerly sought after, and commands a high price. 

What shellfish are also included i7t this division ? 

Several varieties of turtle, such as the green turtle, 
hawk-bill turtle, (so called from the shajoe of its bill) 
and the terrapin. 

The Green Turtle is the most esteemed by the lovers of 
good eating. The green turtle soup and steaks are famous, every- 
where. 

What varieties can you na7ne a?nong the fresh-water fishes f 
Buffalo, perch, sacalait, choupique, catfish, white cat, 
trout, bar, pike, and the soft shell turtle. 

The Cat Fish is that which is most common in Louisiana 
waters. It sometimes reaches a great size. Its meat is not over- 
delicate ; but it makes good soup. The cat-fish is easily caught, 
as it is very greedy, and does more snapping than nibbling at a 
hook 



216 HISTORY OF LOUISIANA, 

Besides these, can you name some fishes that belong both to 
the salt and fresh water along the coast f 
The gar-dolphin, shark and stingaree. 

These worthless fishes are tlie despair of fishermen. They 
chase away the good fish, and never get into the nets without 
breaking them. They are too fierce to be pleasant company ; and 
their flesh is too rank and coarse to be pleasant eating. 



THE EKD. 



